THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


CHASE  AND  STUAET'S  CLASSICAL  SEEIES, 


THE  GERMANIA,  AGRICOLA, 


AND 


DIALOGTJS  DE  ORATORIBUS 

OF  TACITUS. 


BY 

GEORGE   STUART,  A.M., 

PROFESSOB  OF  THE  LATIN  LANGUAGE  IN  THE  CENTRAL  HIGH  SCHOOL 
OF  PHILADELPHIA. 


PHILADELPHIA : 

ELDREDGE  &  BROTHER, 

No.  17  North  Seventh  Street. 

187S. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1875,  by 

ELDREDGE  4   BROTHER, 
in  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


FAOAX    *    SON, 
ELECTROTTPER8,   PHILAD'A 


CAXTON   PRESS  OF  SHERMAN  A  CO. 


PREFACE. 


is  no  reduction  of  our  indebtedness  to  the 
J-  scholars  of  Germany.  They  make  ancient  eloquence 
more  eloquent,  and  ancient  poetry  more  poetical.  Halm, 
Wex,  Kritz,  Hitter,  Haase,  and  others,  have  labored  suc- 
cessfully in  correcting  many  of  the  errors  which  marred 
the  earlier  editions  of  Tacitus.  Labor,  learning,  and 
criticism  have  accomplished  much.  With  the  help  of 
more  numerous  and  more  trustworthy  manuscripts  and 
marginal  readings,  and  by  a  judicious  use  of  the  annota- 
tions of  the  ancient  commentators,  long  desired  improve- 
ments have  been  introduced  into  the  text.  Wex's  search- 
ing examination  of  the  text  of  the  Agricola  is  contained 
in  a  stout  octavo  volume  of  more  than  two  hundred 
pages. 

Of  the  collective  works  of  Tacitus,  Halm's  text  enjoys 
a  confessed  superiority.  But  editors  who  have  labored 
on  special  portions  of  the  works  of  Tacitus  may  reason- 
ably be  expected  to  have  some  special  merits.  Hence 
while  Halm  is  made  the  basis  of  the  text  herewith  pre- 
sented, such  special  merits  were  not  overlooked.  When- 
ever in  the  text  of  the  Germania  Kritz  or  Haase  seemed 
to  have  something  better,  it  was  selected  ;  and  in  the 
Agricola,  which  is  still  inan  unsatisfactory  condition, 


IV  PREFACE. 

and  in  a  few  places  perhaps  incurably  corrupt,  a  similar 
preference  was  sometimes  given  to  Wex.  The  text  of 
the  Dialogue  is  almost  entirely  that  of  Halm :  in  one 
instance  Brotier's  reading  of  a  corrupt  passage  made  it 
more  intelligible,  and  was  adopted.  All  the  leading 
deviations  from  Halm  are  mentioned  in  the  Notes. 

The  principal  works  of  Tacitus  were  composed  towards 
the  close  of  the  first  century  or  in  the  beginning  of  the 
second,  and  as  language  has  its  periods  of  growth  and 
decay,  his  phraseology  sometimes  differs  from  that  of  the 
Augustan  age.  The  Dialogue  was  one  of  his  earlier 
works,  and  in  the  greater  ease  and  sprightliness  of  its 
structure  still  shows  the  influence  of  the  Ciceronian  style. 
Attention  is  called  in  the  Notes  to  the  leading  departures 
from  golden  usage. 

The  manuscripts  of  Tacitus  exhibit  great  variety  in 
their  orthography,  and  show,  not  how  Tacitus,  but  how 
his  transcribers  spelled.  While,  therefore,  wide  depart- 
ures from  established  usage  were  avoided,  a  strictly  uni- 
form orthography  was  not  considered  desirable. 

Geographical,  historical,  and  biographical  information 
has  been  freely  given,  especially  where  such  information 
seemed  necessary  for  the  elucidation  of  the  text. 

GEOKGE  STUART. 

CENTRAL  HIGH  SCHOOL, 
Philadelphia,  July  1st,  1875. 


LIFE   OF   TACITUS. 


T  ITTLE  is  known  of  the  life  of  Tacitus,  except  what  he  tells  us 
J-^  himself,  or  what  we  may  gather  from  the  epistles  of  his  friend, 
the  younger  Pliny.  The  time  and  place  of  his  birth  are  unknown. 
Pliny  was  born  A.  D.  61,  and  as  Tacitus  was  a  few  years  older  than 
Pliny,  several  circumstances  render  it  probable  that  the  date  of 
his  birth  was  not  far  from  A.  t>.  51.  His  praenomen  is  also  a 
matter  of  doubt.  It  is  commonly  written  Caius,  on  the  authority 
of  Sidonius  Apollinaris,  though  it  is  given  as  Publius  in  the  best 
manuscript  of  the  Annals.  The  name  Cornelius  suggests  a  pos- 
sible connection  with  the  great  patrician  Cornelia  gens;  but  as 
there  was  also  a  plebeian  house  of  the  same  name,  the  connection 
cannot  be  assumed  with  certainty.  The  town  of  Interamna,  in 
Umbria,  has  been  named  as  the  birthplace  of  Tacitus.  This 
assertion,  however,  rests  on  insufficient  proof,  and  was  probably 
based  upon  the  known  fact,  that  this  town  was  in  the  third  century 
the  seat  of  the  family  of  the  emperor  Tacitus,  who  claimed  descent 
from  the  historian,  and  honored  his  memory  by  directing  that  ten 
copies  of  his  works  should  be  annually  transcribed  and  placed  in 
the  public  libraries.  With  regard  to  his  parentage,  we  have  at 
least  a  probable  conjecture  to  guide  us.  The  elder  Pliny  was,  as 
he  tells  us,  acquainted  with  one  Cornelius  Tacitus,  who  was  then 
a  procurator  in  Gallia  Belgica,  and  who  had  a  son.  Plinius  died 
A.  D.  79,  and  the  procurator  cannot  have  been  the  historian ;  but 
it  has  been  supposed  that  this  Tacitus  was  the  historian's  father. 
A  procurator  was  generally  a  person  of  equestrian  rank. 

Tacitus  was  first  promoted  by  the  emperor  Vespasian,  and  he 
received  other  favors  from  his  sons  Titus  and  Domitian.  What 
offices  he  may  have  held  under  the  first  and  second  of  these 
princes,  it  is  impossible  to  determine.  C.  Julius  Agricola,  who 
was  consul  A.  D.  77,  betrothed  his  daughter  to  Tacitus  in  that  year, 

A2  v 


VI  LIFE    OF    TACITUS. 

but  the  marriage  did  not  take  place  until  the*  following  year.  In 
the  reign  of  Domitian,  and  in  A.  D.  88,  Tacitus  was  praetor,  and 
he  assisted  as  one  of  the  quindecemviri  at  the  solemnity  of  the 
Ludi  Saeculares  which  were  celebrated  in  that  year,  the  fourteenth 
consulship  of  Domitian.  Agricola  died  at  Rome  A.  D.  93,  but 
neither  Tacitus  nor  the  daughter  of  Agricola  was  then  with  him. 
It  is  not  known  where  Tacitus  was  during  the  last  illness  of  Agric- 
ola, for  the  assumption  that  he  ever  visited  either  Britain  or  Ger- 
many cannot  be  proved.  He  appears  to  say  that  he  was  himself 
a  witness  of  some  of  the  atrocities  of  Domitian.  In  the  reign  of 
Nerva,  A.  D.  97,  Tacitus  was  appointed  consul  suffectus,  in  the 
place  of  T.  Virginius  Rufus,  who  had  died  in  that  year.  Tacitus 
pronounced  the  funeral  oration  of  Rufus,  "  and  it  was,"  says  Pliny, 
"the  completion  of  the  felicity  of  Kufus  to  have  his  panegyric 
pronounced  by  so  eloquent  a  man."  Tacitus  had  attained  ora- 
torical distinction  when  Pliny  was  commencing  his  career.  In 
A.  D.  100,  he  was  appointed,  together  with  Pliny,  who  was  then 
consul  elect,  to  conduct  the  impeachment  preferred  by  the  prov- 
ince of  Africa  against  the  prcconsul  Marcus  Priscus.  Pliny,  who 
relates  the  trial  at  length,  describes  the  oratory  of  Tacitus  as  grave 
and  dignified.  Here  the  public  life  of  Tacitus  terminated. 

Tacitus  and  Pliny  were  most  intimate  friends.  In  the  collection 
of  the  letters  of  Pliny,  there  are  eleven  letters  addressed  to  Taci- 
tus. In  a  letter  to  his  friend  Maximus,  Pliny  shows  that  he  con- 
sidered his  friendship  with  Tacitus  a  great  distinction,  and  he  tells 
the  following  anecdote.  On  one  occasion,  when  Tacitus  was  a  spec- 
tator at  the  Ludi  Circenses,  he  fell  into  conversation  with  a  Roman 
eques,  who,  after  they  had  discoursed  on  various  literary  subjects 
for  some  time,  asked  Tacitus  if  he  was  an  Italian  or  a  provincial ; 
to  which  Tacitus  replied,  "  You  are  acquainted  with  me,  and  by 
my  pursuits."  "  Are  you,"  rejoined  the  stranger,  "  Tacitus  or 
Pliny?"  The  sixteenth  letter  of  the  sixth  book,  in  which  Pliny 
describes  the  great  eruption  of  Vesuvius,  and  the  death  of  his 
uncle,  is  addressed  to  Tacitus,  and  for  the  purpose  of  enabling 
him  to  state  the  facts  in  his  historical  writings. 

The  date  of  the  death  of  Tacitus  is  unknown,  but  that  he  lived 
at  least  down  to  the  end  of  Trajan's  reign,  we  may  infer  from 
Ann.  II.  61,  where  he  says  that  the  Roman  empire,  "Nunc  ad 


LIFE    OF    TACITUS.  Vll 

rubrum  mare  patcscit,"  an  expression  which  must  refer  to  the  suc- 
cesses obtained  by  Trajan  in  his  eastern  expedition,  A.  D.  114- 
117. 

The  extant  works  of  Tacitus  are,  the  Life  of  Julius  Agricola,  a 
treatise  on  the  Germans,  Histories,  Annals,  and  a  Dialogue  on  the 
Causes  of  the  Decline  of  Eloquence.  The  life  of  Agricola  was 
written  after  the  death  of  Domitian,  A.  D.  96,  as  we  may  probably 
conclude  from  the  introduction,  which  was  certainly  written  after 
Trajan's  accession.  This  life  is  justly  admired  as  a  specimen  of 
biography,  though  it  is  sometimes  very  obscure.  It  is  a  monu- 
ment to  the  memory  of  a  good  man,  and  an  able  commander  and 
administrator,  by  an  affectionate  son-in-law,  who  has  portrayed  in 
his  peculiar  manner,  and  with  many  masterly  touches,  the  virtues 
of  one  of  the  most  illustrious  of  the  Romans.  To  Englishmen 
this  life  is  peculiarly  interesting,  as  Britain  was  the  scene  of  Agric- 
ola's  great  exploits,  who  carried  the  Eoman  eagles  even  to  the 
base  of  the  Grampian  mountains*.  It  was  during  his  invasion  of 
Caledonia  that  Britain  was  first  circumnavigated  by  a  Roman 
fleet. 

The  treatise  entitled  De  Moribus  et  Populis  Germaniae  treats  of 
the  Germanic  nations,  or  of  those  whom  Tacitus  comprehended 
under  that  name.  It  has  little  value  as  a  geographical  descrip- 
tion. The  main  matter  is  the  description  of  the  political  institu- 
tions, the  religion,  and  the  habits  of  the  various  tribes  included 
under  the  denomination  of  Germani.  The  sources  of  the  author's 
information  are  not  stated,  but  as  there  is  no  reason  to  suppose 
that  he  had  seen  Germany,  all  that  he  could  know  must  have  been 
derived  from  the  Eoman  expeditions  east  of  the  Rhine  and  north 
of  the  Danube,  and  from  the  accounts  of  traders,  who  went  at  least 
as  far  as  the  Roman  eagles,  and  perhaps  farther.  The  value  of 
the  information  contained  in  this  treatise  has  often  been  discussed, 
and  its  credibility  attacked  ;  but  we  may  estimate  its  true  character 
by  observing  the  precision  of  the  writer  as  to  those  Germans  who 
were  best  known  to  the  Romans  from  being  near  the  Rhine.  That 
the  hearsay  accounts  of  more  remote  tribes  must  partake  of  the 
defects  of  all  such  evidence  is  obvious ;  but  to  consider  the  Ger- 
many as  a  fiction,  is  one  of  those  absurdities  which  need  only  be 
recorded,  not  refuted. 


Vlll  LIFE    OF    TACITUS. 

The  Historiae  were  written  after  the  death  of  Nerva,  A.  D.  98, 
and  before  the  Annales.  They  comprehended  the  period  from 
the  second  consulship  of  Galba,  A.  D.  68,  to  the  death  of  Domitian, 
and  the  author  designed  to  add  the  reigns  of  Nerva  and  Trajan. 
The  first  four  books  alone  are  extant  in  a  complete  form,  and  they 
comprehend  only  the  events  of  about  one  year.  The  fifth  book  is 
imperfect,  and  goes  no  farther  than  the  commencement  of  the 
siege  of  Jerusalem  by  Titus,  and  the  war  of  Civilis  in  Germany. 
It  is  not  known  how  many  books  of  the  Histories  there  were,  but 
it  must  have  been  a  large  work,  if  it  was  all  written  on  the  same 
scale  aa  the  first  five  books. 

The  Annales  commence  with  the  death  of  Augustus,  A.  D.  14, 
and  comprise  the  period  to  the  death  of  Nero,  A.  D.  C8,  a  space  of 
fifty -four  years.  The  work  contained  sixteen  books,  but  several 
entire  books  and  portions  of  others  are  lost.  The  first  five  books 
were  found,  at  the  beginning  of  the  sixteenth  century,  in  the  Abbey 
of  Corvey  in  Westphalia,  and  tfiey  were  first  published  at  Rome 
by  Philippus  Beroaldus,  in  1515. 

The  dialogue  entitled  De  Oratoribus,  which  we  have  no  hesita- 
tion in  ascribing  to  the  pen  of  Tacitus,  must  be  his  earliest  work, 
as  it  was  written  in  the  sixth  year  of  Vespasian.  The  style  is 
more  easy  than  that  of  the  Annals,  more  diffuse,  less  condensed  ; 
but  there  is  no  obvious  difference  between  the  style  of  this  Dialogue 
and  that  of  the  Histories,  nothing  so  striking  as  to  make  us  con- 
tend for  a  different  authorship.  Besides  this,  it  is  nothing  unusual 
for  works  of  the  same  author  which  are  written  at  different  times 
to  vary  greatly  in  style,  especially  if  they  treat  of  different  mat- 
ters. The  old  MSS.  attribute  this  Dialogue  to  Tacitus.  One  of 
the  speakers  in  the  Dialogue  attributes  the  decline  of  eloquence  at 
Rome  to  the  neglect  of  the  arduous  study  of  the  old  Roman  orators, 
to  which  Cicero  has  left  his  testimony;  but  another  speaker, 
Maternus,  has  assigned  a  direct  and  immediate  cause,  which  was 
the  change  in  the  political  constitution.  Oratory  is  not  the  prod- 
uct of  any  system  of  government,  except  one  in  which  the  popular 
element  is  strong. 

The  moral  dignity  of  Tacitus  is  impressed  upon  his  works ;  the 
consciousness  of  a  love  of  truth,  of  the  integrity  of  his  purpose. 
His  great  power  is  in  the  knowledge  of  the  human  mind,  his  in- 


LIFE    OF    TACITUS.  IX: 

sight  into  the  mbtives  of  human  conduct ;  and  he  found  materials 
for  this  study  in  the  history  of  the  emperors,  and  particularly 
Tiberius.  We  know  men's  intellectual  powers,  because  they  seek 
to  display  them :  their  moral  character  is  veiled  under  silence  and 
reserve,  which  are  sometimes  diffidence,  but  more  frequently  dis- 
simulation. But  dissimulation  alone  is  not  a  sufficient  cloak ;  it 
merely  seeks  to  hide  and  cover,  and,  as  the  attempt  to  conceal  ex- 
cites suspicion,  it  is  necessary  to  divert  the  vigilance  of  this  active 
inquisitor.  The  dissembler  therefore  assumes  the  garb  of  good- 
ness ;  and  thus  he  is  a  hypocrite  complete.  In  detecting  these 
slight  indications  of  character  lies  the  great  power  of  Tacitus :  he 
penetrates  to  the  hidden  thoughts  through  the  smallest  avenue. 

Tacitus  knew  nothing  of  Christianity,  which,  says  Montaigne, 
was  liia  misfortune,  not  his  fault.  His  practical  morality  was  the 
stoical,  the  only  one  that  could  give  consolation  in  the  age  in 
which  he  lived.  He  had  not  the  belief  in  the  moral  government 
of  the  world  which  the  emperor  Aureliua  had,  whose  golden  book 
is  the  noblest  monument  that  a  Roman  has  left  behind  him ;  or, 
if  he  had  this  belief,  he  has  not  expressed  it  distinctly.  He  loved 
virtue,  he  abhorred  vice ;  but  he  has  not  shown  that  the  constitu- 
tion of  things  has  an  order  impressed  upon  it  by  the  law  of  its 
existence,  which  implies  a  lawgiver.  A  belief  in  existence  inde- 
pendent of  a  corporeal  form,  of  a  life  after  death,  is  rather  a  hope 
with  him  than  a  conviction. 

The  style  of  Tacitus  is  peculiar,  though  it  bears  some  resem- 
blance to  that  of  Sallust.  In  the  Annals  it  is  concise,  vigorous, 
and  pregnant  with  meaning ;  labored,  but  elaborated  with  art,  and 
stripped  of  every  superfluity.  A  single  word  sometimes  gives 
effect  to  a  sentence,  and  if  the  meaning  of  the  word  is  missed,  the 
sense  of  the  writer  is  not  reached.  He  leaves  something  for  the 
reader  to  fill  up,  and  does  not  overpower  him  with  words.  The 
words  that  he  does  use  are  all  intended  to  have  a  meaning. 

The  style  of  the  Ciceronian  age  aimed  at  richness  of  expression, 
and  smoothly  flowing  and  gracefully  finished  periods.  It  was 
brought  by  Cicero  to  perhaps  as  high  a  degree  of  perfection  as  the 
Latin  language  admitted.  The  succeeding  age  proposed  to  itself 
a  somewhat  different  aim.  Hence  quite  a  different  set  of  literary 
characteristics.  A  style  sententious  and  concise,  sometimes  un- 


X  LIFE    OF    TACITUS. 

pleasantly  abrupt,  with  far-fetched,  poetical,  arid  even  archaic 
terms  and  expressions,  became  fashionable.  Scope  was  thus  given 
to  some  of  the  worst  extravagances  of  bad  taste,  and  we  find 
nearly  all  the  writers  of  what  is  called  the  silver  age  indulging  in 
pedantries  and  affectations  which  frequently  render  them  harsh 
and  obscure.  A  reaction  followed  in  favor  of  the  earlier  or  Cice- 
ronian style.  Of  this  we  have  evident  traces  in  Tacitus.  He 
seems  to  have  aimed  at  combining  some  of  Cicero's  most  con- 
spicuous graces  with  the  pointed  and  sententious  character  of  the 
new  style.  In  the  style  of  Tacitus  the  form  is  always  subordinate 
to  the  matter ;  the  ideas  maintain  their  due  supremacy  over  the 
language  in  which  they  are  conveyed.  There  is  none  of  that 
striving  after  epigrammatic  terseness  which  savors  of  affectation. 
His  brevity,  like  that  which  characterizes  the  style  of  Thucydides, 
is  the  necessary  condensation  of  a  writer  whose  thoughts  flow 
more  quickly  than  his  pen  can  express  them.  Hence  his  sentences 
are  suggestive  of  far  more  than  they  express  ;  they  are  enigmatical 
hints  of  deep  and  hidden  meaning,  which  keep  the  mind  active 
and  the  attention  alive,  and  delight  the  reader  with  the  pleasures 
of  discovery  and  the  consciousness  of  difficulties  overcome.  Nor 
is  this  natural  and  unintentional  brevity  unsuitable  to  the  cautious 
reserve  with  which  all  were  tutored  to  speak  and  think  of  political 
subjects  in  perilous  times.  It  is  extraordinary  how  often  a  simi- 
larity between  his  mind  and  that  of  Tliucydides  inadvertently 
discovers  itself,  not  only  in  his  mode  of  thinking,  but  also  in  his 
language,  even  in  his  grammatical  constructions,  especially  in  his 
frequent  substitution  of  attraction  for  government,  in  instances  of 
condensed  construction,  and  in  the  connection  of  clauses  gram- 
matically different,  although  they  are  metaphysically  the  same. 
Nor  is  his  brevity  dry  or  harsh :  it  is  enlivened  by  copiousness, 
variety,  and  poetry.  He  scarcely  ever  repeats  the  same  idea  in 
the  same  form.  No  author  is  richer  in  synonymous  words,  or 
arranges  with  more  varied  skill  the  position  of  words  in  a  sentence. 
As  for  poetic  genius,  his  language  is  highly  figurative ;  his  descrip- 
tions of  scenery  and  incidents  are  eminently  picturesque ;  his 
characters  dramatic;  the  expression  of  his  own  sentiments  and 
feelings  as  subjective  as  lyric  poetry. 

Full  of  sagacious  observation  and  descriptive  power,  Tacitus 


LIFE    OF    TACITUS.  XI 

engages  the  most  serious  attention  of  the  reader  by  the  gravity  of 
his  condensed  and  comprehensive  style,  as  he  does  by  the  wisdom 
and  dignity  of  his  reflections.  Living  amidst  the  influences  of  a 
corrupt  age,  he  was  uncontaminated ;  and  by  his  virtue  and  in- 
tegrity, his  chastened  political  liberty,  commands  our  admiration 
as  a  man,  whilst  his  love  of  truth  is  reflected  in  his  character  as  a 
historian. 

It  has  been  usual  to  regard  Cicero  as  the  representative  of  the 
most  perfect  Latinity,  and  Tacitus  as  a  man  of  genius  belonging 
to  a  declining  age,  and  infected  by  many  of  its  chief  literary 
vices.  This  view  ignores  several  important  considerations,  and 
requires  correction.  It  is  true  that  the  style  of  Cicero,  from  its 
general  conformity  to  certain  precise  and  definite  rules,  is  fitted  to 
be  a  model  of  Latinity  in  a  sense  in  which  that  of  Tacitus  cannot 
be.  A  modern  scholar  feels  instinctively  that  the  former  is  much 
more  suitable  for  imitation ;  but  it  is,  we  think,  a  great  mistake  to 
claim  on  this  ground  for  Cicero  a  distinct  superiority  over  Tacitus. 
Cicero,  indeed,  was  enabled,  by  his  great  abilities  and  wide  cul- 
ture, to  give  a  richness  and  flexibility  to  the  Latin  language  which 
it  had  not  known  before"  his  time,  and  we  may  venture  to  affirm 
that  without  him  there  could  not  have  been  a  Tacitus.  If,  how- 
ever, we  are  to  measure  excellence  of  style  by  its  capacity  of  ade- 
quately representing  the  profound  and  subtle  ideas  of  a  really 
great  thinker,  we  shall  see  good  reason  for  placing  Tacitus  in  at 
least  as  high  a  rank  as  Cicero.  In  vividness  of  imagination,  in 
insight  into  the  intricacies  of  human  character,  in  breadth  and 
comprehensiveness  of  his  historical  faculty,  he  stands  first  among 
Eoman  writers.  These  qualities  are  continually  reflected  in  his 
style.  In  the  language  of  the  time,  permeated  as  it  was  with 
Greek  ideas  and  phrases,  he  found  an  instrument  ready  to  his 
hand  ;  he  used  it  with  consummate  mastery  of  its  various  re- 
sources, and  succeeded  in  giving  to  great  thoughts  a  singularly 
characteristic  expression.  —  Compiled  from  various  sources. 


CORNELII   TACITI 
DE  ORIGINS,  SITU,  MORIBUS  AC  POPULIS 

GEEMANIAE 

LIBER. 
BREVIARIUM. 


CAP.  1.  Germaniae  situs.  2.  Incolae  indigenae.  Aucto- 
res  gentis.  Nominis  origo.  Hercules.  3.  Barditus.  Ara 
Ulixis.  4.  Germani,  gens  sincera.  Habitus  corporum.  5. 
Terrae  natura.  Non  aurum,  non  argentum,  nee  aestima- 
tum.  6.  Germanorum  arnia,  equitatus,  peditatus,  ordo 
militiae.  7.  Reges,  duces,  sacerdotes.  8.  Feminarum 
virtus  et  veneratio.  Veleda.  Albruna  (al.  Aurinia).  9. 
Dii,  sacra,  simulacra  nulla.  10.  Auspicia,  sortes.  Ex 
equis,  e  captivo  praesagia.  11.  Consultationes  publicae 
et  conventus.  12.  Accusationes,  poenae,  jus  redditum. 
13.  Scuto  frameaque  ornati  juvenes,  principum  comites. 
Eorum  virtus  et  fama.  14.  Gentis  bellica  studia.  15.  In 
pace  venatio,  otium.  Collata  principibus  munera.  16. 
Urbes  nullae.  Vici,  domus,  specus  suffugium  hiemi  et  re- 
ceptaculum  frugibus.  17.  Vestitus  virorum,  feminarum. 
18.  Matrimonia  severa.  Dos  a  marito  oblata.  19.  Pudi- 
citia,  adulterii  poena.  Monogamia.  Liberorum  numerus 
non  finitus.  20.  Liberorum  educatio.  Successions  leges. 
21.  Patris,  propinqui,  amicitiae  inimicitiaeque  susceptae. 
Homicidii  pretium.  Hospitalitas.  22.  Lotio,  victus,  ebri- 
orum  rixae.  Consultatio  in  conviviis.  23.  Potus,  cibus. 

B  xiii 


14  CORNELII    TACITI 


24.  Spectacula.  Aleae  furor.  .  25.  Servi,  libertini.  26. 
Fenus  ignotuie./ :  Agjrjcultiira.  '.  Armi  t  .tempora.  27.  Fu- 
nera,  sepulchra,  luctus.  28.  Singularum  gentium  insti- 
tuta.  Galli,  olim  valida  gens,  in  Germaniam  transgress!, 
Helvetii,  Boii.  Aravisci,  Osi,  incertum  genus.  Ger- 
manicae  originis  populi  Treveri,  Nervii,  Vangiones,  Tri- 
boci,  Nemetes,  Ubii.  29.  Batavi,  Chattorum  proles.  Mat- 
tiaci.  Decumates  agri.  30,  31.  Chattorum  regio,  habitus, 
disciplina  militaris,  vota,  virtutis  incentiva.  32.  Usipi, 
Tencteri,  equitatu  praestantes.  33.  Bructerorum  sedes,  a 
Chamavis  et  Angrivariis  occupatae.  34.  Dulgibini.  Cha- 
suari.  Frisii.  35.  Chauci,  pacis  studio,  justitia  et  virtute 
nobiles.  36.  Cherusci  et  Fosi,  a  Chattis  victi.  37.  Cim- 
brorum  parva  civitas,  gloria  ingens.  Romanorum  clades. 
Germani  triumphati  magis  quam  victi.  38.  Sueborum 
numerus,  mores.  39.  Semnonum  religio,  victimae  hu- 
manae.  40.  Langobardi.  Reudigni.  Aviones.  Anglii. 
Varini.  Eudoses.  Suardones.  Nuitones.  Nerthi  cultus 
communis.  41.  Hermunduri.  42.  Naristi.  Marcomani. 
Quadi.  43.  Marsigni.  Gotini.  Osi.  Buri.  Lygiorum 
civitates,  Harii,  Helvecones,  Manimi,  Elisii,  Nahanarvali ; 
horum  numen  Alcis.  Gotones.  Rugii.  Lemovii.  44. 
Suiones,  classibus  valentes.  45.  Mare  pigrum.  Aestii, 
inatris  deum  cultores,  succinum  legunt.  Sitonibus  femma 
imperat.  46.  Peucini,  Venedi,  Fenni,  Germani  an  Sar- 
matae?  Eorum  feritas,  paupertas.  Hominum  monstra, 
Hellu^ii,  Oxiones. 


1.  Germania  omnis  a  Gallis  Kaetisque  et  Pannoniis 
Rheno  et  Danuvio  fluminibus,  a  Sarmatis  Dacisque 
mutuo  metu  aut  montibus  separator ;  cetera  oceanus 
ambit,  latos  sinus  et  insularum  inimensa  spatia  com- 


GERMANIA.  15 

plectens,  nuper  cognitis  quibusdam  gentibus  ac  regi- 
bus,  quos  bellum  aperuit.  Rhenus,  Raeticarum 
Alpiura  inaccesso  ac  praecipiti  vertice  ortus,  modico 
flexu  in  occidentem  versus  septentrional!  oceano  mi- 
scetur.  Danuvius,  inolli  et  clementer  edito  mentis  5 
Abnobae  jugo  efFusus,  plures  populos  adit,  donee  in 
Ponticum  mare  sex  meatibus  erumpat :  septimum  os 
paludibus  hauritur. 

2.  Ipsos  Germanos  indigenas  crediderim,  mmime- 
que  aliarum  gentium  adventibus  et  hospitiis  mixtos,  10 
quia  nee  terra  olim  sed  elassibus  advehebantur  qui 
mutare  sedes  quaerebant,  et  immensus    ultra,  utque 
sic  dixerim,  adversus  oceanus  raris  ab  orbe  nostro 
navibus  aditur.     Quis  porro,  praeter  periculum  hor- 
ridi  et  ignoti  maris,  Asia  aut  Africa  aut  Italia  relicta,  15 
Germauiam  peteret,  informem  terris,  asperam  caelo, 
tristem  cultu  aspectuque,  nisi  si  patria  sit  ? 

Celebrant  carminibus  antiquis,  quod  unum  apud 
illos  memoriae  et  anualium  genus  est,  Tuistonem 
deum  terra  editum,  et  filium  Mannum,  originem  20 
gentis  conditoresque.  Manno  tres  filios  assignant,  e 
quorum  nominibus  proximi  oceano  Ingaevones,  medii 
Herminones,  ceteri  Istaevones  vocentur.  Quidam,  ut 
in  licentia  vetustatis,  plures  deo  ortos  pluresque  gentis 
appellationes,  Marsos,  Gambrivios,  Suebos,  Vandalios,  25 
affirmant,  eaque  vera  et  antiqua  nomina ;  ceterum 
Germaniae  vocabulum  recens  et  uuper  additum,  quo- 
mam  qui  primi  Rhenum  transgressi  Gallos  expulerint, 


16  COKNELII    TACITI 

ut  nunc  Tungri,  tune  German!  vocati  sint :  ita  natio- 
nis  nomen,  non  gentis,  evaluisse  paulatim,  ut  omues 
primum  a  victore  ob  raetum,  mox  etiam  a  se  ipsis 
invento  nomine  German!  vocarentur. 
5  3.  Fuisse  apud  eos  et  Herculem  memorant,  primum- 
que  omnium  virorum  fortium  ituri  in  proelia  canunt. 
Sunt  illis  haec  quoque  carmina,  quorum  relatu,  quern 
barditum  vocaut,  accendunt  auimos,  futuraeque  pug- 
nae  fortunam  ipso  cantu  augurantur ;  terrent  enim 

10  trepidantve,  prout  sonuit  acies;  nee  tarn  vocis  ille 
quam  virtutis  concentus  videtur.  Affectatur  prae- 
cipue  asperitas  soni  et  fractum  murmur,  objectis  ad 
os  scutis,  quo  plenior  et  gravior  vox  repercussu  intu- 
mescat.  Ceterum  et  Ulixem  quidam  opinantur  longo 

15  illo  et  fabuloso  errore  in  hunc  oceanum  delatum  adisse 
Germaniae  terras,  Asciburgiumque,  quod  in  ripa 
Rheni  situm  hodieque  incolitur,  ab  illo  constitutum 
nomiuatumque ;  aram  quin  etiam  Ulixi  consecratam, 
adjecto  Laertae  patris  nomine,  eodem  loco  olim  re- 

20  pertam,  monumentaque  et  tumulos  quosdam  Graecis 
litteris  inscriptos  in  confinio  Germaniae  Raetiaeque 
adhuc  exstare ;  quae  neque  coufirmare  argumentis 
neque  refellere  in  animo  est :  ex  iugenio  suo  quisque 
demat  vel  addat  fidem. 

25  4.  Ipse  eorum  opinionibus  accedo,  qui  Germauiae 
populos  nullis  aliis  aliarum  nationum  counubiis  in- 
fectos  propriam  et  sinceram  et  tautum  sui  similem 
gentem  exstitisse  arbitrantur.  Unde  habitus  quoque 


QERMANIA.  17 

corporum,  quamquam  in  tanto  hominum  numero, 
idem  omnibus :  truces  et  caerulei  oculi,  rutilae  comae, 
magna  corpora  et  tantum  ad  impetum  valida ;  laboris 
atque  operum  non  eadem  patientia ;  minimeque  sitim 
aestumque  tolerare,  frigora  atque  inediam  caelo  solove  5 
assuerunt. 

5.  Terra,  etsi  aliquanto  specie  differt,  in  universuin 
tamen  aut  silvis  horrida  aut  paludibus  foeda,  humidior 
qua  Gallias,  ventosior  qua  Noricum  ac  Pannoniam 
aspicit ;  satis  ferax,  frugiferarum  arborum  impatiens,  10 
pecorum  fecunda,  sed  plerumque  improcera.  Ne 
armentis  quidem  suus  honor  aut  gloria  frontis ;  nu- 
mero gaudent,  eaeque  solae  et  gratissimae  opes  sunt. 
Argentum  et  aurum  propitiine  an  irati  di  negaverint 
dubito.  Nee  tamen  amrmaverim  nullam  Germaniae  15 
venam  argentum  aurumve  gignere ;  quis  enim  scru- 
tatus  est?  Possessione  et  usu  baud  perinde  afficiun- 
tur.  Est  videre  apud  illos  argentea  vasa,  legatis  et 
principibus  eorum  muneri  data,  non  in  alia  vilitate 
quam  quae  humo  finguntur ;  quamquam  proximi  ob  20 
usum  commerciorum  aurum  et  argentum  in  pretio 
habent,  formasque  quasdam  nostrae  pecuniae  agno- 
scunt  atque  eligunt ;  interiores  simplicius  et  antiquius 
permutatione  mercium  utuntur.  Pecuniam  probant 
veterem  et  diu  notam,  serratos  bigatosque.  Argentum  25 
quoque  magis  quam  aurum  sequuntur,  iiulla  affectione 
animi,  sed  quia  numerus  argenteorum  facilior  usui 

est  promiscua  ac  villa  mercantibus. 
2  —  Tac.  B  2 


18  CORNELII    TACITI 

6.  Ne  ferrum  quidem  superest,  sicut  ex  genere  telo- 
rum  colligitur.     Rari  gladiis  aut  majoribus  lanceis 
utuntur ;  hastas,  vel  ipsorum  vocabulo  frameas  gerunt, 
angusto  et  brevi  ferro,  sed  ita  acri  et  ad  usum  habili, 

5  ut  eodem  telo,  prout  ratio  poscit,  vel  comminus  vel 
eminus  pugnent.  Et  eques  quidem  scuto  frameaque 
contentus  est ;  pedites  et  missilia  spargunt,  pluraque 
singuli,  atque  in  immensum  vibrant,  nudi  aut  sagulo 
leves.  Nulla  cultus  jactatio ;  scuta  tantum  lectissimis 

10  coloribus  distinguunt.  Faucis  loricae,  vix  uni  alte- 
rive  cassis  aut  galea.  Equi  non  forma,  non  velocitate 
coaspicui ;  sed  nee  variare  gyros  in  morem  nostrum 
docentur :  in  rectum  aut  uno  flexu  dextros  agunt,  ita 
conjuncto  orbe  ut  nemo  posterior  sit.  In  universum 

15  aestimanti  plus  penes  peditem  roboris :  eoque  mixti 
proeliantur,  apta  et  congruente  ad  equestrem  pugnam 
velocitate  peditum,  quos  ex  omni  juventute  delectos 
ante  aciem  locaut.  Definitur  et  numerus  :  centeni  ex 
singulis  pagis  sunt,  idque  ipsum  inter  suos  vocantur, 

20  et  quod  primo  numerus  fuit,  jam  nomen  et  honor  est. 
Acies  per  cuneos  componitur.  Cedere  loco,  dummodo 
rursus  instes,  consilii  quam  formidinis  arbitrantur. 
Corpora  suorum  etiam  in  dubiis  proeliis  referunt. 
Scutum  reliquisse  praecipuum  flagitium,  nee  aut 

25  sacris  adesse  aut  concilium  mire  ignominioso  fas : 
multique  superstites  bellorum  infamiam  laqueo  finie- 
runt. 

7.  Reges  ex  nobilitate,  duces  ex  virtute  sumunt. 


GERMANIA.  19 

Nee  regibus  infinita  aut  libera  potestas,  et  duces  ex- 
einplo  potius  quam  imperio,  si  prompti,  si  conspicui, 
si  ante  aciem^agant,  admiratione  praesunt.  Ceterum 
neque  animadvertere  neque  viucire,  ne  verberare  qui- 
dem  nisi  sacerdotibus  permissum,  non  quasi  in  poenara  5 
nee  ducis  jussu,  sed  velut  deo  imperante,  quern  adesse 
bellantibus  credunt.  Effigiesque  et  signa  quaedam 
detracta  lucis  in  proelium  ferunt;  quodque  prae- 
cipuura  fortitudinis  incitamentum  est,  nou  casus  neque 
fortuita  conglobatio  turmam  aut  cuneum  facit,  sed  10 
familiae  et  propinquitates ;  et  in  proximo  pignora, 
uiide  feminarum  ululatus  audiri,  unde  vagitus  in- 
fantium.  Hi  cuique  sanctissimi  testes,  hi  maxinii 
laudatores:  ad  matres,  ad  conjuges  vulnera  ferunt; 
nee  illae  numerare  aut  exigere  plagas  pa  vent,  cibosque  15 
et  hortamina  pugnantibus  gestant. 

8.  Memoriae  proditur  quasdam  acies  inclinatas  jam 
et  labantes  a  feminis  restitutas  constantia  precum  et 
objectu  pectorum  et  monstrata  comminus  captivitate, 
quam  longe  impatientius  feminarum  suarum  nomine  20 
timcnt,  adeo  ut  efficacius  obligentur  animi  civitatum, 
quibus  inter  obsides  puellae  quoque  nobiles  impe- 
rantur.  Inesse  quin  etiam  sanctum  aliquid  et  pro- 
vidum  putant,  nee  aut  consilia  earum  aspernantur 
aut  responsa  negligunt.  Vidimus  sub  divo  Vespa-  25 
siano  Veledam,  din  apud  plerosque  numinis  loco  habi- 
tam ;  sed  et  olim  Albrunam  et  complures  alias  venerati 
suut,  non  adulatione,  neque  tamquam  facerent  deas. 


20  CORNELII    TACITI 

9.  Deorum  maxime  Mercurium  colunt,  cui  certis 
diebus    huraanis   quoque    hostiis   litare   fas   habent. 
Martem  concessis  auimalibus  placaiit  [ot  Herculem]. 
Pars  Sueborum  et  Isidi  sacrificat :  unde  causa  et  origo 

5  peregrine  sacro  parum  comperi,  nisi  quod  signum 
ipsum  in  modum  liburnae  figuratum  docet  advectam 
religionem.  Ceterum  nee  cohibere  parietibus  deos 
neque  in  ullain  humani  oris  speciem  assimulare  ex 
maguitudine  caelestium  arbitrantur ;  lucos  ac  neraora 
10  consecrant,  deorumque  nominibus  appellant  secretum 
illud  quod  sola  reverentia  vident. 

10.  Auspicia  sortesque  ut  qui  maxime  observant. 
Sortium    consuetudo    simplex.      Virgam    frugiferae 
arbori  decisam  in  surculos  amputant,  eosque   notis 

15  quibusdam  discretos  super  candidam  vestem  temere 
ac  fortuito  spargunt.  Mox,  si  publice  consultetur, 
sacerdos  civitatis,  sin  privatim,  ipse  pater  familiae, 
precatus  deos  caelumque  suspicions  ter  singulos  tollit, 
sublatos  secundum  impressam  ante  notam  interpre- 

20  tatur.  Si  prohibuerunt,  nulla  de  eadem  re  in  eundem 
diem  consultatio ;  sin  permissum,  auspiciorum  adhuc 
fides  exigitur.  Et  illud  quidem  etiam  hie  notum, 
avium  voces  volatusque  interrogare.  Proprium  gentis 
equorum  quoque  praesagia  ac  monitus  experiri.  Pub- 

25  lice  aluntur  isdem  nemoribus  ac  lucis,  candidi  et  nullo 
mortali  opere  contacti ;  quos  pressos  sacro  curru  sacer- 
dos ac  rex  vel  princeps  civitatis  comitantur,  hinnitus- 
que  ac  fremitus  observant.  Nee  ulli  auspicio  major 


OERMANIA.  21 

fides,  non  solum  apud  plebera,  sed  apud  proceres,  apud 
sacerdotes ;  se  enim  ministros  deorura,  illos  conscios 
putant.  Est  et  alia  observatio  auspiciorum,  qua  gra- 
vium  bellorum  eveutus  explorantur:  ejus  gentis,  cum 
qua  bellum  est,  captivum  quoquo  modo  interceptum  5 
cum  electo  popularium  suorum,  patriis  quemque 
armis,  committunt :  victoria  hujus  vel  illius  pro  prae- 
judicio  accipitur. 

11.  De  miuoribus  rebus  principes  consultant,  de 
majoribus  omnes,  ita  tamen  ut  ea  quoque,  quorum  10 
penes  plebem  arbitrium  est,  apud  principes  pertrac- 
tentur.     Coeunt,  nisi  quid  fortuitum  et  subitum  inci- 
dit,  certis  diebus,  cum  aut  inchoatur  luna  aut  impletur; 
nam  agendis  rebus  hoc  auspicatissimum  initium  cre- 
dunt.     Nee  dierum  numerum,  ut  nos,  sed  noctium  15 
computant.     Sic  constituunt,  sic  condicunt :  nox  du- 
cere  diem  videtur.     Illud  ex  libertate  vitium,  quod 
non  simul  nee  ut  jussi  conveniunt,  sed  et  alter  et  ter- 
tius  dies  cunctatione  coeuntium  absumitur.     Ut  turbae 
placuit,  considunt  armati.     Silentium  per  sacerdotes,  20 
quibus  turn  et  coercendi  jus  est,  imperatur.     Mox  rex 
vel  princeps,  prout  aetas  cuique,  prout  nobilitas,  prout 
decus  bellorum,  prout  facundia  est,  audiuntur,  auctori- 
tate  suadendi  magis  quam  jubendi  potestate.     Si  dis- 
plicuit   sententia,  fremitu   aspernantur;  sin  placuit,  25 
frameas  concutiunt.     Honoratissimum  assensus  genus 
est  armis  laudare. 

12.  Licet  apud  concilium  accusare  quoque  et  discri- 


22  CORNELII    TACITI 

men  capitis  intendere.  Distinctio  poenarum  ex  de- 
licto.  Proditores  et  transfugas  arboribus  suspendunt ; 
ignavos  et  imbelles  et  corpore  infames  coeno  ac  palude, 
iujecta  insuper  crate,  mergunt.  Diversitas  supplicii 
5  illuc  respicit,  tamquam  scelera  ostendi  oporteat,  dum 
puniuntur,  flagitia  abscond!.  Sed  et  levioribus  de- 
lictis  pro  raodo  poena :  equorum  pecorumque  numero 
convict!  multantur.  Pars  multae  regi  vel  civitati, 
pars  ipsi  qui  vindicatur  vel  propinquis  ejus  exsolvitur. 

10  Eliguntur  in  isdem  conciliis  et  principes,  qui  jura  per 
pagos  vicosque  reddunt ;  centeni  singulis  ex  plebe 
comites,  consilium  simul  et  auctoritas,  adsunt. 

13.  Nihil  autem  neque  publicae  neque  privatae  rei 
nisi  armati  agunt.     Sed  arma  sumere  non  ante  cui- 

15  quam  moris  quara.  civitas  suffecturum  probaverit. 
Turn  in  ipso  concilio  vel  principum  aliquis  vel  pater 
vel  propinqui  scuto  frameaque  juveuem  ornant :  haec 
apud  illos  toga,  hie  primus  juventae  honos;  ante  hoc 
domus  pars  videntur,  mox  rei  publicae.  Insignis 

20  nobilitas  aut  magna  patrum  merita  principis  dignatio- 
nem  etiam  adolescentulis  assignant :  ceteris  robustiori- 
bus  ac  jam  pridem  probatis  aggregantur,  nee  rubor 
inter  comites  aspici.  Gradus  quin  etiam  ipse  comi- 
tatus  habet,  judicio  ejus  quem  sectantur ;  magnaque 

25  et  comitum  aemulatio,  quibus  primus  apud  principem 
suum  locus,  et  principum,  cui  plurimi  et  acerrimi 
comites.  Haec  dignitas,  hae  vires,  magno  semper 
electorum  juvenum  globo  circumdari,  in  pace  decus, 


GEKMANIA.  23 

in  bello  praesidium.  Nee  solum  in  sua  gente  cuique, 
sed  apud  finitimas  quoque  civitates  id  nomen,  ea  gloria 
est,  si  numero  ac  virtu te  comitatus  emineat ;  expetun- 
tur  enim  legationibus  et  muneribus  ornantur  et  ipsa 
plerumque  fama  bella  profligant.  5 

14.  Cum  ventum  in  aciera,  turpe  principi  virtute 
vinci,  turpe  comitatui  virtutem  principis  non  adae- 
quare.     Jam  vero  infame  in  omnem  vitam  ac  pro- 
brosum  superstitem  principi  suo  ex  acie  recessisse: 
ilium  defendere,  tueri,  sua  quoque  fortia  facta  gloriae  10 
ejus  assignare,  praecipuum  sacramentum  est.     Prin- 
cipes  pro  victoria  pugnant,  comites  pro  principe.     Si 
civitas  in  qua  orti  sunt  longa  pace  et  otio  torpeat, 
plerique   nobilium   adolescentium   petunt   ultro    eas 
nationes,  quae  turn  bellum  aliquod   gerunt,  quia  et  15 
ingrata  genti  quies,  et  facilius   inter   ancipitia   cla- 
rescunt,  magnumque  comitatum  non  nisi  vi  belloque 
tueutur ;  exigunt  enim  principis  sui  liberalitate  ilium 
bellatorem  equum,  illam  cruentam  victricemque  fra- 
meam.     Nam  epulae  et,  quamquam  incompti,  largi  20 
tamen   apparatus,   pro    stipendio   cedunt.      Materia 
munificentiae  per  bella  et  raptus.     Nee  arare  terrain 
aut  exspectare  annum  tarn  facile  persuaseris  quam 
vocare  hostem  et  vulnera  mereri.     Pigrum  quin  immo 

et  iners  videtur  sudore  acquirere  quod  possis  sanguine  25 
parare. 

15.  Quotiens  bella  non  ineunt,  multum  venatibus, 
plus  per  otium  transigunt,  dediti  somno  ciboque,  for- 


24  CORNELII    TACITI 

tissimus  quisque  ac  bellicosissimus  nihil  agens,  dele- 
gata  domus  et  penatium  et  agrorum  cura  feminis 
senibusque  et  infirmissimo  cuique  ex  familia :  ipsi 
hebent,  mira  diversitate  naturae,  cum  iidem  homines 
5  sic  ament  inertiam  et  oderint  quietem.  Mos  est  civi- 
tatibus  ultro  ac  viritim  conferre  principibus  vel  armen- 
torum  vel  frugum,  quod  pro  honore  acceptum  etiam 
necessitatibus  subvenit.  Gaudent  praecipue  finitima- 
rum  gentium  donis,  quae  non  modo  a  singulis  sed  et 

10  publice  mittuntur,  electi  equi,  magua  arma,  phalerae 
torquesque.  Jam  et  pecuniam  accipere  docuimus. 

16.  Nullas  Germanorum  populis  urbes  habitari 
satis  notum  est,  ne  pati  quidem  inter  se  junctas  sedes. 
Colunt  discreti  ac  diversi,  ut  fons,  ut  campus,  ut 

15  nemus  placuit.  Vicos  locant  non  in  nostrum  morem 
connexis  et  cohaerentibus  aedificiis :  suam  quisque 
domum  spatio  circumdat,  sive  ad  versus  casus  ignis 
remedium  sive  inscitia  aedificandi.  Ne  caementorum 
quidem  apud  illos  aut  tegularum  usus;  materia  ad 

20  omnia  utuntur  inform!  et  citra  speciem  aut  deleeta- 
tionem.  Quaedam  loca  diligentius  illinunt  terra  ita 
pura  ac  splendente,  ut  picturam  ac  lineamenta  colo- 
rum  imitetur.  Solent  et  subterraneos  specus  aperire 
eosque  multo  insuper  fimo  onerant,  suffugium  hiemi 

25  et  receptaculum  frugibus,  quia  rigorem  frigorum  ejus 
modi  locis  molliunt,  et  si  quando  hostis  advenit,  aperta 
populatur,  abdita  autem  et  defossa  aut  ignorantur  aut 
eo  ipso  fallunt,  quod  quaerenda  sunt. 


GERMANIA.  25 

17.  Tegumen  omnibus  sagum  fibula  aut,  si  desit, 
spina  consertum ;  cetera  intecti  totos  dies  juxta  focum 
atque  ignem  agunt.     Locupletissimi  veste  distinguun- 
tur,  non  fluitante,  sicut  Sarmatae  ac  Parthi,  sed  stricta 
et  singulos   artus   exprimente.     Gerunt  et   ferarum  5 
pelles,  proximi  ripae  negligenter,  ulteriores  exquisi- 
tius,  ut  quibus  nullus  per  commercia  cultus.     Eligunt 
feras  et  detracta  velamina  spargunt  maculis  pellibus- 
que  beluarum,  quas  exterior  oceanus  atque  ignotum 
mare  gignit.     Nee  adius  feminis  quam  viris  habitus,  10 
nisi  quod  feminae  saepius  lineis  amictibus  velantur 
eosque  purpura  variant,  partemque  vestitus  superioris 

in  manicas  non  extendunt,  nudae  brachia  ac  lacertos ; 
sed  et  proxima  pars  pectoris  patet.  Quamquam  severa 
illic  matrimonia,  nee  ullam  morum  partem  magis  lau- 15 
daveris :  nam  prope  soli  barbarorum  singulis  uxori- 
bus  coutenti  sunt,  exceptis  admodum  paucis,  qui  non 
libidine  sed  ob  nobilitatem  pluribus  nuptiis  ambi- 
untur. 

18.  Dotem   non   uxor   marito,  sed   uxori  maritus  20 
offert.     Intersunt  pareutes  ac  propinqui  ac  munera 
probant,  munera  non  ad  delicias  muliebres  quaesita 
nee  quibus  nova  nupta  comatur,  sed  boves  et  frena- 
tum  equum  et  scutum  cum  framea  gladioque.     In  haec 
munera  uxor  accipitur,  atque  in  vicein  ipsa  armorum  25 
aliquid  viro   affert :  hoc   maximum    vinculum,  haec 
arcana  sacra,  hos  conjugales  deos  arbitrantur.     Ne  se 
mulier  extra  virtutum  cogitationes  extraque  bellorum 

C 


26  CORNELII    TACITI 

casus  putet,  ipsis  incipientis  matrimonii  auspiciis  ad- 
monetur  venire  se  laborum  periculorumque  sociam, 
idem  in  pace,  idem  in  proelio  passuram  ausuramque : 
hoc  juncti  boves,  hoc  paratus  equus,  hoc  data  arma 

5  denuntiant :  sic  vivendum,  sic  pereundum  :  accipere 
se  quae  liberis  inviolata  ac  digna  reddat,  quae  nurus 

I    accipiant,  rursusque  ad  nepptes  referantur. 

19.  Ergo  septa  pudicitia  agunt,  nullis  spectaculo- 
rum  illecebris,  nullis  conviviorum  irritationibus  cor- 

10  ruptae.  Litterarum  secreta  viri  pariter  ac  feminae 
ignorant.  Paucissima  in  tarn  numerosa  gente  adul- 
teria,  quorum  poena  praesens  et  maritis  permissa: 
abscisis  crinibus,  nudatam,  coram  propinquis  expellit 
domo  maritus  ac  per  omnem  vicuna  verbere  agit ;  publi- 

15  catae  enim  pudicitiae  nulla  venia :  non  forma,  non 
aetate,  non  opibus  maritum  invenerit.  Nemo  enim 
illic  vitia  ridet,  nee  corrumpere  et  corrumpi  saeculum 
vocatur.  Melius  quidem  adhuc  eae  civitates,  in  qui- 
bus  tantum  virgines  nubunt  et  cum  spe  votoque  uxoris 

20  semel  transigitur.  Sic  unum  accipiunt  maritum  quo- 
modo  unum  corpus  unamque  vitam,  ne  ulla  cogitatio 
ultra,  ne  longior  cupiditas,  ne  tamquam  maritum  sed 
tamquam  matrimonium  ament.  Numerum  liberorum 
finire  aut  quern quam  ex  agnatis  necare  flagitium  habe- 

25  tur,  plusque  ibi  boni  mores  valent  quam  alibi  bonae 
leges. 

20.  In  omni  domo  nudi  ac  sordidi  in  hos  artus,  in 
haec  corpora,  quae  miramur,  excrescunt.     Sua  quern- 


GERMANIA.  27 

que  mater  uberibus  alit,  nee  ancillis  aut  nutricibus 
delegantur.  Dominura  ac  servum  nullis  educationis 
deliciis  dignoscas :  inter  eadem  pecora,  in  eadem  humo 
degunt,  donee  aetas  separet  ingenuos,  virtus  agnoscat. 
Sera  juvenum  venus,  eoque  inexhausta  pubertas.  Nee  5 
virgines  festinantur;  eadem  juventa,  similis  proceri- 
tas :  pares  validaeque  miscentur,  ac  robora  parentum 
liberi  referunt.  Sororum  filiis  idem  apud  avunculum 
qui  apud  patrem  honor.  Quidam  sanctiorem  artio- 
remque  hunc  nexum  sanguinis  arbitrantur,  et  in  acci- 10 
pieudis  obsidibus  magis  exigunt,  tamquam  et  animum 
firmius  et  domum  latius  teneant.  Heredes  tamen  suc- 
cessoresque  sui  cuique  liberi,  et  nullum  testamentum. 
Si  liberi  non  sunt,  proximus  gradus  in  possessione  fra- 
tres,  patrui,  avunculi.  Quanto  plus  propinquorum,  15 
quo  major  affinium  numerus,  tauto  gratiosior  senectus ; 
nee  ulla  orbitatis  pretia. 

21.  Suscipere  tarn  iuimicitias  seu  patris  seu  propin- 
qui  quam  amicitias  necesse  est;  nee  implacabiles 
durant :  luitur  enim  etiam  homicidium  certo  armento-  20 
rum  ac  pecorum  numero,  recipitque  satisfactionem 
universa  domus,  utiliter  in  publicum,  quia  periculosio- 
res  sunt  inimicitiae  juxta  libertatem. 

Convictibus  et  hospitiis  non  alia  gens  effusius  in- 
dulget.     Quemcumque  mortalium  arcere  tecto  nefas  25 
habetur ;  pro  fortuna  quisque  apparatus  epulis  excipit. 
Cum  defecere,  qui   modo   hospes   fuerat,  monstrator 
hospitii   et  comes;  proximam  domum  non  invitati 


28  CORNELII    TACITI 

adeunt:  nee  interest:  pari  humanitate  accipiuntur. 
Notum  ignotumque,  quantum  ad  jus  hospitis,  nemo 
discernit.  Abeunti,  si  quid  poposcerit,  concedere  mo- 
ris ;  et  poscendi  in  vicem  eadem  facilitas.  Gaudent 
5  muneribus,  sed  nee  data  imputant  nee  acceptis  obli- 
gantur.  Victus  inter  hospites  comis. 

22.  Statim  e  somno,  quern  plerumque  in  diem  extra- 
hunt,  lavantur,  saepius  calida,  ut  apud  quos  plurimum 
hiems  occupat.  Lauti  cibum  capiunt :  separatae  sin- 

10  gulis  sedes  et  sua  cuique  mensa.  Turn  ad  negotia,  nee 
minus  saepe  ad  convivia,  procedunt  armati.  Diem 
noctemque  continuare  potando  nulli  probrum.  Cre- 
brae,  ut  inter  vinolentos,  rixae  raro  conviciis,  saepius 
caede  et  vulneribus  transiguntur.  Sed  et  de  reconci- 

15  liandis  in  vicem  inimicis  et  jungendis  affinitatibus  et 
asciscendis  principibus,  de  pace  denique  ac  bello  ple- 
rumque in  conviviis  consultant,  tamquam  nullo  magis 
tempore  aut  ad  simplices  cogitationes  pateat  animus 
aut  ad  magnas  incalescat.  Gens  non  astuta  nee  cal- 

20  lida  aperit  adhuc  secreta  pectoris  licentia  joci ;  ergo 
detecta  et  nuda  omnium,  mens;  postera  die  retracta- 
tur,  et  salva  utriusque  temporis  ratio  est :  deliberant, 
dum  fingere  nesciunt;  constituunt,  dum  errare  non 
possunt. 

25  23.  Potui  humor  ex  hordeo  aut  frumento,  in  quan- 
dam  similitudiuem  vini  corruptus :  proximi  ripae  et 
vinum  mercantur.  Cibi  simplices,  agrestia  poma,  re- 
cens  fera  aut  lac  concretum :  sine  apparatu,  sine  blandi- 


GERMANIA.  29 

mentis  expellunt  famem.  Adversus  sitim  non  eadem 
temperantia :  si  indulseris  ebrietati  suggerendo  quan- 
tum concupiscunt,  baud. minus  facile  vitiis  quam  armis 
vincentur. 

24.  Genus  spectaculorum  unum  atque  in  omni  coetu  5 
idem.     Nudi  juvenes,  quibus  id  ludicrum  est,  inter 
gladios  se  atque  infestas  frameas  saltu  jaciunt.     Exer- 
citatio  artern  paravit,  ars  decorem,  non  in  quaestum 
tamen  aut  mercedem ;  quamvis  audacis  lasciviae  pre- 
tium  est  voluptas  spectantium.     Aleam,  quod  mirere,  10 
sobrii  inter  seria  exercent,  tanta  lucrandi  perdendive 
temeritate  ut,  cum  omnia  defecerunt,  extreme  ac  novis- 
simo  jactu   de  libertate  ac  de  corpore  contendant. 
Victus  voluntariam  servitutem  adit:   quamvis  juve- 
nior,  quamvis  robustior,  alligari  se  ac  venire  patitur.  15 
Ea  est  in   re  prava   pervicacia:  ipsi  fidem  vocant. 
Servos  condicionis  hujus  per  commercia  tradunt,  ut 

se  quoque  pudore  victoriae  exsolvant. 

25.  Ceteris  servis  non  in  nostrum  morem  descriptis 
per   familiam    ministeriis    utuntur :    suam    quisque  20 
sedem,  suos  penates  regit.     Frumenti  modum  domi- 
nus  aut  pecoris  autvestis  ut  colono  injungit,  et  servus 
hactenus  paret:  cetera  domus  officia  uxor  ac  liberi 
exsequuntur.     Verberare  servum  ac  vinculis  et  opere 
coercere   rarum :   occidere   solent,  non   disciplina   et  25 
severitate,  sed  impetu  et  ira,  ut  inimicum,  nisi  quod 
impune  est.     Liberti  non  multum  supra  servos  suut, 
raro  aliquod  momentum  in  domo,  numquam  in  civi- 

C2 


30  CORNELII    TACITI 

tate,  exceptis  dumtaxat  iis  gentibus  quae  regnantur ; 
ibi  enim  et  super  ingenues  et  super  nobiles  ascendunt : 
apud  ceteros  impares  libertini.  libertatis  argumentum 
sunt. 

5  26.  Fenus  agitare  et  in  usuras  extendere  ignotum ; 
ideoque  magis  servatur  quam  si  vetitum  esset.  Agri 
pro  numero  cultorum  ab  universis  in  vices  occupan- 
tur,  quos  mox  inter  se  secundum  dignatiouem  parti- 
untur;  facilitatem  partieudi  camporum  spatia  prae- 

10  bent.  Arva  per  annos  mutant,  et  superest  ager. 
Nee  enim  cum  ubertate  et  amplitudine  soli  labore 
contendunt,  ut  pomaria  couserant  et  prata  separent 
et  hortos  rigent :  sola  terrae  seges  imperatur.  Unde 
annum  quoque  ipsum  non  in  totidem  digerunt  species : 

15  hiems  et  ver  et  aestas  intellectum  ac  vocabula  habent ; 
autumni  perinde  nomen  ac  bona  ignorantur. 

27.  Funerum  nulla  ambitio  :  id  solum  observant, 
ut  corpora  clarorum  virorum  certis  lignis  crementur. 
Struem  rogi  nee  vestibus  nee  odoribus  cumulant :  sua 

20  cuique  arma,  quorundam  igni  et  equus  adjicitur; 
sepulcrum  caespes  erigit :  monumentorum  arduum  et 
operosuin  honorem  ut  gravem  defunctis  aspernantur. 
Lamenta  ac  lacrimas  cito,  dolorem  et  tristitiam  tarde 
ponunt.  Feminis  lugere  bonestum  est,  viris  memi- 

25  nisse. 

Haec  in  commune  de  omnium  Germanorum  origine 
ac  moribus  accepimus :  nunc  singularum  gentium  insti- 
tuta  ritusque,  quatenus  differaut,  quae  nationes  e  Ger- 
mania  in  Gallias  commigraverint,  expediam. 


GERMANIA.  31 

28.  Validiores  olin*  Gallorum  res  fuisse  summus 
auctor  divus  Julius  tradit ;  eoque  credibile  est  etiam 
Gallos  in  Germaniam  transgresses :  quantulura  enim 
amnis  obstabat  quo  minus,  ut  quaeque  gens  evaluerat, 
occuparet  permutaretque  sedes  promiscuas  adhuc  et  5 
nulla  regnorum  potentia  divisas  ?     Igitur  inter  Her- 
cyniam  silvam  Rhenumque  et  Moenum  amnes  Hel- 
vetii,  ulteriora  Boii,  Gallica  utraque  gens,  tenuere. 
Manet  adhuc  Boihaemi  nomen  signatque  loci  veterem 
meraoriam  quamvis  mutatis  cultoribus.     Sed  utrum  10 
Aravisci  in  Pannoniam  ab  Osis,  Germanorum  natione, 
an  Osi  ab  Araviscis  in  Germaniam  commigraverint, 
cum  eodern  adhuc  sermone,  institutis,  moribus  utantur, 
incertum  est,  quia  pari  olim  inopia  ac  libertate  eadem 
utriusque   ripae  bona  malaque   erant.      Treveri   et  15 
Nervii  circa  affectationem  Germanicae  originis  ultro 
ainbitiosi  sunt,  tamquam  per  hanc  gloriam  sanguinis 

a  similitudine  et  inertia  Gallorum  separentur.  Ipsam 
Rheni  ripam  baud  dubie  Germanorum  populi  colunt, 
Vangiones,  Triboci,  Nemetes.  Ne  Ubii  quidem,  quam-  20 
quam  Romana  colonia  esse  meruerint  ac  libentius 
Agrippinenses  conditoris  sui  nomine  vocentur,  origine 
erubescunt,  transgressi  olim  et  experimento  fidei  super 
ipsam  Rheni  ripam  collocati,  ut  arcerent,  non  ut  custo- 
direntur.  25 

29.  Omnium    harum    gentium   virtute   praecipui 
Batavi  non  multum  ex  ripa,  sed  insulam  Rheni  amnis 
coluut,  Chattorum  quondam  populus  et  seditione  do- 


32  COENELII    TACITI 

mestica  in  eas  sedes  transgressu*,  in  quibus  pars  Ro- 
mani  imperil  fierent.  Manet  honos  et  antiquae  socie- 
tatis  insigne;  nam  nee  tributis  contemnuntur  nee 
publicanus  atterit :  exernpti  oneribus  et  collationibus 
5  et  tantum  in  usum  proeliorum  sepositi,  velut  tela 
atque  arma,  bellis  reservantur.  Est  in  eodem  obse- 
quio  et  Mattiacorum  gens ;  protulit  enim  magnitude 
populi  Romani  ultra  Rhenum  ultraque  veteres  termi- 
nos  imperil  reverentiam :  ita  sede  finibusque  in  sua 

10  ripa,  mente  animoque  nobiscum  agunt,  cetera  similes 
Batavis,  nisi  quod  ipso  adhuc  terrae  suae  solo  et  caelo 
acrius  animantur. 

Non  numeraverim  inter  Germaniae  populos,  quam- 
quam  trans  Rhenum  Danuviumque  consederint,  eos 

15  qui  decumates  agros  exercent:  levissimus  quisque 
Gallorum  et  inopia  audax  dubiae  possessionis  solum 
oceupavere;  mox  limite  acto  promotisque  praesidiis 
sinus  imperil  et  pars  provinciae  habentur. 

30.  Ultra   hos  Chatti:  initium  sedis  ab  Hercynio 

20  saltu  inchoatur,  non  ita  effusis  ac  palustribus  locis,  ut 
ceterae  civitates  in  quas  Germania  patescit ;  durant  si 
quidem  colles  paulatim  rarescunt,  et  Chattos  sues 
saltus  Hercynius  prosequitur  simul  atque  deponit. 
Duriora  genti  corpora,  stricti  artus,  minax  vultus  et 

25  major  animi  vigor;  multum,  ut  inter  Germanos, 
rationis  ac  sollertiae :  praeponere  electos,  audire  prae- 
positos,  nosse  ordines,  intelligere  occasiones,  differre 
impetus,  disponere  diem,  vallare  noctem,  fortunam 


GEEMANIA.  33 

inter  dubia,  virtutem  inter  certa  numerate,  quodque 
rarissimum  nee  nisi  Romanae  disciplinae  concessum, 
plus  reponere  in  duce  quam  in  exercitu.  Onme  robur 
in  pedite,  quern  super  arma  ferramentis  quoque  et 
copiis  onerant :  alios  ad  proelium  ire  videas,  Chattos  5 
ad  bellum ;  rari  excursus  et  fortuita  pugna ;  eque- 
strium  sane  virium  id  proprium,  cito  parare  victoriani, 
cito  cedere :  velocitas  juxta  formidinem,  cunctatio  pro- 
pior  coustantiae  est. 

31.  Et  aliis  Germanorum  populis  usurpatum  raro  10 
et  private,  cuj  usque  audentia  apud  Chattos  in  con- 
sensum  vertit,  ut  primum  adoleverint,  crinem  barbam- 
que  submittere,  nee  nisi  hoste  caeso  exuere  votivum 
obligatumque  virtuti  oris  habitum.     Super  sauguinem 

et  spolia  revelant  frontem,  seque  turn  demum  pretia  15 
nascendi    retulisse    dignosque   patria   ac   parentibus 
ferunt:  ignavis  et  imbellibus  manet  squalor.     For- 
tissimus  quisque  ferreum  insuper  anulum  (ignominio- 
sum  id  genti)  velut  vinculum  gestat,  donee  se  caede 
hostis  absolvat.     Plurimis  Chattorum  hie  placet  habi-  20 
tus,  jamque  canent  iusignes  et  hostibus  simul  suisque 
monstrati.      Omnium    penes   hos   initia   pugnarum ; 
haec  prima  semper  acies,  visu  nova ;  nam  ne  in  pace 
quidem  vultu  mitiore  mansuescunt.     Nulli  domus  aut 
ager  aut   aliqua  cura :    prout   ad   quemque  venere,  25 
aluntur,  prodigi  alieni,  contemptores   sui,  donee  ex- 
sanguis  senectus  tain  durae  virtuti  impares  faciat. 

32.  Proximi   Chattis   certum  jam  alveo  Rbenum 
3  — Tac. 


34  CORNELII    TACIT! 

quique  terminus  esse  sufficiat,  Usipi  ac  Tenctcri 
colunt.  Tencteri  super  solitum  bellorum  decus  eques- 
tris  disciplinae  arte  praecellunt;  nee  major  apud 
Chattos  peditum  laus  quam  Tencteris  equitum.  Sic 
5  instituere  majores :  posteri  imitantur.  Hi  lusus  in- 
fantium,  haec  juvenum  aemulatio ;  perseveraut  senes. 
Inter  familiam  et  penates  et  jura  successionum  equi 
traduntur :  excipit  filius,  non  ut  cetera,  maximus  natu, 
sed  prout  ferox  bello  et  melior. 

10  33.  Juxta  Tencteros  Bructeri  olim  occurrebant: 
nunc  Chamavos  et  Angrivarios  immigrasse  narratur : 
pulsis  Bructeris  ac  penitus  excisis  vicmarum  consensu 
nationum ;  sen  superbiae  odio  seu  praedae  dulcedine 
seu  favore  quodam  erga  nos  deorum ;  nam  ne  specta- 

15  culo  quidem  proelii  invidere.  Super  sexaginta  milia 
non  armis  telisque  Romanis,  sed  quod  magnificentius 
est,  oblectationi  oculisque  ceciderunt.  Maneat,  quaeso, 
duretque  gentibus,  si  non  amor  nostri,  at  certe  odium 
sui,  quando  urgentibus  imperii  fatis  nihil  jam  prae- 

20  stare  fortuna  majus  potest  quam  hostium  discordiam. 

34.  Angrivarios  et  Chamavos  a  tergo  Dulgibini  et 

Chasuarii  cluduut  aliaeque  gentes  baud  perinde  memo- 

ratae ;  a  froute  Frisii  excipiunt.     Majoribus  minori- 

busque  Frisiis  vocabulum  est  ex  modo  virium.     Utrae- 

25  que  nationes  usque  ad  oceanum  Rbeno  praetexuntur 
ambiuntque  immensos  insuper  lacus  et  Romanis  clas- 
sibus  navigates.  Ipsum  quin  etiam  oceanum  ilia 
temptavimus  ;  et  superesse  adhuc  Herculis  columnas 


GERMANIA.  35 

fama  vulgavit,  sive  adiit  Hercules,  seu  quidquid  ubi- 
que  magnificum  est,  in  claritatem  ejus  referre  con- 
seusimus.  Nee  defuit  audentia  Druso  Germanico : 
sed  obstitit  oceanus  in  se  siraul  atque  in  Herculem 
iuquiri.  Mox  nemo  temptavit,  sanctiusque  ac  reve-  5 
rentius  visum  de  actis  deorum  credere  quam  scire. 

35.  Hactenus  in  occidentem  Germaniam  no  vim  us : 
in  septentrionera  ingenti  flexu  redit.     Ac  primo  statim 
Chaucorum   gens,  quamquam   incipiat   a   Frisiis   ac 
partem  litoris  occupet,  omnium  quas  exposui  gentium  10 
lateribus  obtenditur,  donee  in  Chattos  usque  sinuetur. 
Tarn  immensum  terrarum  spatium  non  tenent  tantum 
Chauci,  sed  et  implent,  populus  inter  Germanos  nobi- 
lissimus   quique   magnitudinem   suam  malit  justitia 
tueri;   sine  cupiditate,  sine  impotentia,  quieti  secre-  15 
tique  nulla  provocaut  bella,  nullis  raptibus  aut  latro- 
ciniis  populantur.     Id  praecipuum  virtutis  ac  virium 
argumentum  est,  quod,  ut  superiores  agant,  non  per 
injurias  assequuntur ;  prompta  tamen  omnibus  arma 
et,  si  res  poscat,  exercitus,  plurimum  virorum  equo-  20 
rumque ;  et  quiescentibus  eadem  fama. 

36.  In  latere  Chaucorum  Chattorumque  Cherusci 
nimiam  ac  marcentem  diu  pacem  illacessiti  nutrie- 
runt;  idque  jucundius  quam  tutius  fuit,  quia  inter 
impotentes  et  validos  falso  quiescas :  ubi  manu  agitur,  25 
modestia  ac  probitas  nomina  superioris  suut.     Ita  qui 
olim  boni  aequique  Cherusci,  nuiic  inertes  ac  stulti 
vocantur:  Chattis  victoribus   fortuna  in  sapientiam 


36  CORNELII    TACITI 

cessit.  Tract!  ruina  Cheruscorum  et  Fosi,  conter- 
mina  gens,  adversarum  rerum  ex  aequo  socii  sunt, 
cum  in  secundis  minores  fuissent. 

37.  Eundem  Germaniae  sinum  proxirai  oceano 
5  Cimbri  tenent,  parva  nunc  civitas,  sed  gloria  ingens ; 
veterisque  famae  lata  vestigia  manent,  utraque  ripa 
castra  ac  spatia,  quorum  ambitu  nunc  quoque  metiaris 
molem  manusque  gentis  et  tarn  magni  exitus  fidem. 
Sexcentesimum  et  quadragesimum  annum  urbs  nostra 

10  agebat,  cum  primum  Cimbrorum  audita  sunt  arma, 
Caecilio  Metello  et  Papirio  Carbone  consulibus;  ex 
quo  si  ad  alterum  imperatoris  Trajani  consulatum 
computemus,  ducenti  ferme  et  decem  anni  colligun- 
tur:  tarn  diu  Germania  vincitur.  Medio  tarn  longi 

15  aevi  spatio  multa  in  vicem  damna ;  non  Samnis,  non 
Poeni,  non  Hispaniae  Galliaeve,  ne  Parthi  quidem 
saepius  admonuere  :  quippe  regno  Arsacis  acrior  est 
Germanorum  libertas.  Quid  enim  aliud  nobis  quam 
caedem  Crassi,  amisso  et  ipse  Pacoro,  infra  Ventidium 

20  dejectus  oriens  objecerit?  At  Germani  Carbone  et 
Cassio  et  Scauro  Aurelio  et  Servilio  Caepione,  Marco 
quoque  Manlio  fusis  vel  captis,  quinque  simul  consu- 
lares  exercitus  populo  Romano,  Varum  tresque  cum 
eo  legiones  etiam  Caesari  abstulerunt ;  nee  impune  C. 

25  Marius  in  Italia,  divus  Julius  in  Gallia,  Drusus  ac 
Nero  et  Germanicus  in  suis  eos  sedibus  perculerunt. 
Mox  ingentes  C.  Caesaris  minae  in  ludibrium  versae. 
Inde  otium,  donee  occasioue  discordiae  nostrae  et 


GERMANIA.  37 

civilium  armorum,  expugnatis  legionum  hibernis, 
etiam  Gallias  aflectavere ;  ac  rursus  inde  pulsi  proxi- 
mis  temporibus  triumphati  magis  quam  victi  sunt. 

38.  Nunc  de  Suebis  dicendum  est,  quorum  non  una, 

ut  Chattorum  Tencterorumve   gens;  majorem  enim    5 
Gerraaniae  partem  obtinent,  propriis  adhuc  nationi- 
bus  nominibusque  discreti,  quamquam  in  commune 
Suebi  vocentur.     Insigne  gentis  obliquare  crinem  no- 
doque  substringere :  sic  Suebi  a  ceteris  Germanis,  sic 
Sueborum  ingenui  a  servis  separantur.     In  aliis  genti-  10 
bus  seu  coguatione  aliqua  Sueborum  seu,  quod  saepe 
accidit,  imitatione,  rarum  et  intra  juventae  spatium : 
apud  Suebos  usque  ad  canitiem  horrentem  capillum 
retro  sequuntur,  ac  saepe  in  ipso  vertice   religatur ; 
principes  et  ornatiorem  habent.     Ea  cura  formae,  sed  15 
innoxia ;  neque  enim  ut  ament  amenturve,  in  altitu- 
dinem  quandam  et  terrorem  adituri  bella,  compti  ut 
hostium  oculis,  ornaiitur. 

39.  Vetustissimos    se    nobilissimosque    Sueborum 
Semnones    memorant ;     fides     antiquitatis    religione  20 
firmatur.     Stato  tempore  in  silvam  auguriis  patrum 

et  prisca  formidine  sacram  omnes  ejusdem  sanguinis 
populi  legationibus  coeunt,  caesoque  publice  homine 
celebrant  barbari  ritus  horrenda  primordia.  Est  et 
alia  luco  reverentia :  nemo  nisi  vinculo  ligatus  ingre-  25 
ditur,  ut  minor  et  potestatem  numinis  prae  se  ferens. 
Si  forte  prolapsus  est,  attolli  et  insurgere  baud  licitum : 
per  huinum  evolvuntur.  Eoque  omnis  superstitio  re- 
D 


38  CORNELII    TACITI 

spicit,  tamquam  inde  initia  gentis,  ibi  regnator  omnium 
deus,  cetera  subjecta  atque  parentia.  Adjicit  auctori- 
tatem  fortuna  Semnonum :  centum  pagis  habitant, 
magnoque  corpore  efficitur  ut  se  Sueborum  caput 
5  credant. 

40.  Contra  Langobardos  paucitas  nobilitat:   plu- 
rimis  ac  valentissimis  natiouibus  cincti  non  per  obse- 
quium,  sed  proeliis  et  periclitando  tuti  sunt.     Reudigni 
deinde  et  Avioues  et  Anglii  et  Varini  et  Eudoses  et 

10  Suardones  et  Nuitoues  fluminibus  aut  silvis  muni- 
uutur.  Nee  quicquam  notabile  in  singulis,  nisi  quod 
in  commune  Nerthum,  id  est,  Terrain  matrem  colunt, 
eamque  intervenire  rebus  hominum,  invehi  populis, 
arbitrantur.  Est  in  insula  oceani  castum  nemus, 

15  dicatumque  in  eo  vehiculum,  veste  contectum  ;  attin- 
gere  uni  sacerdoti  coucessum.  Is  adesse  penetrali 
deam  intelligit,  vectamque  bubus  feminis  multa  cum 
veneratione  prosequitur.  Laeti  tune  dies,  festa  loca, 
quaecumque  adventu  hospitioque  dignatur.  Non 

20  bella  ineunt,  non  arma  sumunt ;  clausum  omne  fer- 
rum ;  pax  et  quies  tune  tantum  nota,  tune  tan  turn 
amata,  donee  idem  sacerdos  satiatam  conversatione 
mortalium  deam  templo  reddat.  Mox  vehiculum  et 
vestes  et,  si  credere  velis,  numen  ipsum  secreto  lacu 

25  abluitur.  Servi  ministrant,  quos  statim  idem  lacus 
haurit.  Arcanus  hinc  terror  sanctaque  ignorantia, 
quid  sit  illud  quod  tantum  perituri  vident. 

41.  Et  haec  quidem  pars  Sueborum  in  secretiora 


GERMANIA.  39 

Germaniae  porrigitur :  propior  (ut,  quo  modo  paulo 
ante  Rhenum,  sic  nunc  Dauuvium  sequar),  Hermun- 
dtirorum  ci vitas,  fida  Romanis;  eoque  solis  Germa- 
norum  uon  iu  ripa  commercium,  sed  penitus  atque  in 
splendidissima  Raetiae  proviuciae  colonia.  Passim  5 
sine  custode  transeunt ;  et  cum  ceteris  gentibus  arma 
modo  castraque  iiostra  ostendamus,  his  domos  villas- 
que  patefecimus  non  concupiscentibus.  In  Hermun- 
duris  Albis  oritur,  flumen  inclutum  et  notum  olim ; 
nunc  tantum  auditur.  10 

42.  Juxta  Hermunduros  Naristi  ac  deinde  Marco 
mani  et  Quadi   agunt.     Praecipua   Marcomanorum 
gloria  viresque,  atque   etiam  ipsa  sedes  pulsis   olim 
Boiis  virtute  parta.     Nee  Naristi  Quadive  degeuerant. 
Eaque  Germaniae  velut  frons  est,  quatenus  Dauuvio  15 
peragitur.     Marcomanis  Quadisque  usque  ad  nostram 
memoriam  reges  manserunt  ex  gente  ipsorum,  nobile 
Marobodui  et  Tudri  genus :  jam  et  externos  patiuntur, 
sed  vis  et  potentia  regibus  ex  auctoritate   Romana. 
Raro   armis   nostris,  saepius   pecunia  juvantur,  nee  20 
minus  valent. 

43.  Retro  Marsigni,  Cotini,  Osi,  Buri  terga  Marco- 
manorum Quadorumque  claudunt.     E  quibus  Mar- 
signi  et   Buri    sermone   cultuque   Suebos   referunt: 
Cotinos  Gallica,  Osos  Paunonica  lingua  coarguit  non  25 
esse  Germanos,  et  quod  tributa  patiuntur.     Partem 
tributorum  Sarmatae,  partem  Quadi   ut   alienigenis 
impouunt :  Cotini,  quo  magis  pudeat,  et  ferrum  effo- 


40  CORNELII    TACITI 

diunt.  Omnesque  hi  populi  pauca  campestrium, 
ceterura  saltus  et  vertices  montium  jugumque  insede- 
runt.  Dirimit  enim  scinditque  Suebiara  continuum 
moutium  jugum,  ultra  quod  plurimae  gentes  agunt ; 
5  ex  quibus  latissime  patet  Lygiorum  nomen,  in  plures 
civitates  diffusum.  Valentissimas  nominasse  sufficiet, 
Harios,  Helveconas,  Manimos,  Elisios,  Nahanarvalos. 
Apud  Nahanarvalos  antiquae  religionis  lucus  osten- 
ditur.  Praesidet  sacerdos  muliebri  ornatu,  sed  deos 

10  interpretation  Romana  Castorera  Pollucemque  me- 
morant.  Ea  vis  numini ;  nomen  Alcis.  Nulla  simu- 
lacra, nullum  peregrinae  superstitiouis  vestigium  ;  ut 
fratres  tamen,  ut  juvenes  venerantur.  Ceterum  Harii 
super  vires,  quibus  enumeratos  paulo  ante  populos 

15  anteceduut,  truces  insitae  feritati  arte  ac  tern  pore 
leuocinanttir :  nigra  scuta,  tincta  corpora;  atras  ad 
proelia  noctes  legunt,  ipsaque  formidine  atque  umbra 
feralis  exercitus  terrorem  inferunt,  nullo  hostium  susti- 
nente  novum  ac  velut  infernum  aspectum  ;  nam  primi 

20  in  omnibus  proeliis  oculi  vincuntur. 

44.  Trans  Lygios  Gotones  regnantur,  paulo  jam 
adductius  quam  ceterae  Germanorum  gentes,  nondum 
tamen  supra  libertatem.  Protinus  deinde  ab  oceauo 
Rugii  et  Lemovii;  omniumque  harum  gentium  in- 

25  signe  rotunda  scuta,  breves  gladii  et  erga  reges  obse- 
quium. 

Suionum  hinc  civitates,  ipso  in  oceano,  praeter  viros 
armaque  classibus  valent.  Forma  navium  eo  difiert, 


GERMANIA.  41 

quod  utrimque  prora  paratam  semper  appulsui  frontem 
agit;  nee  velis  miuistrantur  nee  remos  in  ordinem 
lateribus  adjuugunt;  solutum,  ut  in  quibusdam  flu- 
minum,  et  mutabile,  ut  res  poscit,  hinc  vel  illinc  rerai- 
gium.     Est  apud  illos  et  opibus  honos,  eoque  unus    5 
imperitat,  nullis  jam  exceptiouibus,  non  precario  jure 
pareudi.     Nee   arma,  ut  apud  ceteros  Germanos,  in 
promiscuo,  sed  clausa  sub  custode,  et  quidem  servo, 
quia  subitos  hostium  incursus  prohibet  oceanus ;  otiosae 
porro  armatorum  manus  facile  lasciviunt ;  enimvero  10 
neque  nobilem  neque  ingenuum,  ne  libertinum  quidem 
armis  praeponere  regia  utilitas  est. 

45.  Trans  Suionas  aliud  mare,  pigrum  ae  prope 
immotum,  quo  cingi  cludique  terrarum  orbem  hinc 
fides,  quod  extremus  cadentis  jam  solis  fulgor  in  ortum  15 
edurat  adeo  clarus,  ut  sidera  hebetet ;  sonum  insuper 
emergentis  audiri  formasque  deorum  et  radios  capitis 
aspici  persuasio  adjicit.  Illuc  usque,  et  fama  vera, 
tantum  natura.  Ergo  jam  dextro  Suebici  maris  litore 
Aestiorum  gentes  alluuntur,  quibus  ritus  habitusque  20 
Sueborum,  lingua  Britaunicae  propior.  Matrem 
deum  venerantur.  Insigne  superstitionis  formas  apro- 
rum  gestant:  id  pro  armis  omnique  tutela  securum 
deae  cultorem  etiam  inter  hostes  praestat.  Rarus 
ferri,  frequens  fustium  usus.  Frumenta  ceterosque  25 
fructus  patientius  quam  pro  solita  Germanorum 
inertia  laborant.  Sed  et  mare  scrutantur,  ac  soli 
omnium  sucinum,  quod  ipsi  glesum  vocant,  inter  vada 

D2 


42  CORNELII    TACITI 

atque  in  ipso  litore  legunt.  Nee  quae  natura  quaeve 
ratio  gignat,  ut  barbaris,  quaesitum  compertumve ; 
diu  quin  etiara  inter  cetera  ejectamenta  maris  jacebat, 
donee  luxuria  nostra  dedit  nomen.  Ipsis  in  nullo 
5usu:  rude  legitur,  informe  perfertur,  pretiuraque 
mirantes  accipiuut.  Sucum  tamen  arborum  esse  iu- 
telligas,  quia  terrena  quaedam  atque  etiam  volucria 
animalia  plerumque  interlucent,  quae  implicata  hu- 
more  mox  durescente  materia  cluduntur.  Fecundiora 

10  igitur  nemora  lucosque,  sicut  orientis  secretis,  ubi  tura 
balsamaque  sudantur,  ita  occidentis  insulis  terrisque 
inesse  crediderim ;  quae  vicini  soils  radiis  expressa 
atque  liquentia  in  proximum  mare  labuntur  ac  vi 
tempestatum  in  adversa  litora  exundant.  Si  naturam 

15  sucini  admoto  igni  temptes,  in  modum  taedae  accen- 
ditur  alitque  flammam  pinguera  et  olenteni ;  mox  ut 
in  picem  resinamve  lentescit. 

Suionibus  Sitonum  gentes  continuantur.  Cetera 
similes  uno  differunt  quod  feinina  dominatur :  in 

20  tantum  non  modo  a  libertate  sed  etiam  a  servitute 
degenerant.  Hie  Suebiae  finis. 

46.  Peucinorum  Venetorumque  et  Fennorum  na- 
tiones  Germanis  an  Sarmatis  ascribam  dubito,  quam- 
quam  Peucini,  quos  quidam  Bastarnas  vocant,  sermon  e, 

25  cultu,  sede  ac  domiciliis  ut  Germani  agunt.  Sordes 
omnium  ac  torpor  procerum ;  connubiis  mixtis  non- 
nihil  in  Sarmatarum  habitum  foedantur.  Veneti 
multum  ex  moribus  traxerunt;  nam  quidquid  inter 


GERMANIA.  43 

Peucinos  Fennosque  silvarum  ac  montium  erigitur, 
latrociniis  pererrant.  Hi  tamen  inter  Germanos  po- 
tius  referuntur,  quia  et  domos  figunt  et  scuta  gestant 
et  pedum  usu  ac  pernicitate  gaudent:  quae  omnia 
di versa  Sarmatis  suut  in  plaustro  equoque  viventibus.  5 
Fennis  mira  feritas,  foeda  paupertas :  non  arma,  non 
equi,  non  penates;  victui  herba,  vestitui  pelles,  cubile 
humus :  sola  in  sagittis  spes,  quas  inopia  ferri  ossibus 
asperant.  Idemque  venatus  viros  pariter  ac  feminas 
alit ;  passim  enim  comitantur  partemque  praedae  pe-  10 
tunt.  Nee  aliud  infantibus  ferarum  imbriumque  suffu- 
gium  quam  ut  in  aliquo  ramorum  nexu  contegantur : 
hue  redeunt  juvenes,  hoc  senum  receptaculum.  Sed 
beatius  arbitrantur  quam  ingemere  agris,  illaborare 
domibus,  suas  alienasque  fortunas  spe  metuque  versare :  15 
securi  ad  versus  homines,  securi  adversus  deos,  rem  diffi- 
cillimain  assecuti  sunt,  ut  illis  ne  voto  quidem  opus 
sit.  Cetera  jam  fabulosa :  Hellusios  et  Oxionas  ora 
hominum  vultusque,  corpora  atque  artus  ferarum 
gerere :  quod  ego  ut  incompertum  in  medium  relin-  20 
quam. 


CORNELII   TACITI 
DE  VITA   ET  MOEIBUS 

JULII    AGEICOLAE 

LIBEK. 
BREVIARIUM. 


CAP.  1-3.  Scribendi  clarorum  virorum  vitam  mos  anti- 
quus,  sub  malis  principibus  periculosus,  sub  Trajano  in 
honorem  Agricolae  repetitus  a  Tacito,  qui  non  eloquentiam, 
sed  pietatem  pollicetur.  4.  Agricolae  stirps,  educatio,  stu- 
dia.  5, 6.  Positis  in  Britannia  priniis  castrorum  rudimentis, 
uxorem  ducit.  Fit  quaestor,  tribunus,  praetor.  Recogno- 
scendis  temploruin  donis  praefectus.  7.  Othoniano  bello 
matrem  partemque  patrimonii  amittit.  8.  In  Vespasiani 
partes  transgressus,  legioni  vicesimae  in  Britannia  prae- 
positus,  alienae  famae  cura  promovet  suam.  9.  Redux 
inter  patricios  ascitus  Aquitaniam  regit.  Consul  factus 
Tacito  filiam  despondet.  Britanniae  praeficitur. 

10.  Britanniaedescriptio.  Thule  cognita.  Marepigrum. 
11,  12.  Britannorum  origo,  habitus,  sacra,  sermo,  mores; 
militia,  regimen,  rarus  conventus.  Caelum,  solum,  me- 
talla,  margarita.  13.  Victae  gentis  ingenium.  Caesarum 
in  Britanniam  expeditiones.  14.  Consularium  legatorum 
res  gestae.  15,  16.  Britanniae  rebellio,  Boudicea  duce 
coepta,  a  Suetonio  Paulino  compressa.  Huic  succedunt 
ignavi.  17-21.  Rem  restituunt  Petilius  Cerialis  et  Julius 
Frontinus;  hie  Silures,  ille  Brigantes  vincit;  Agricola 

44 


COBXELII    TACITI    AGRICOLA.  45 

Ordovices  et  Monam.  Totam  provinciam  pacat  et  mode- 
ratione,  prudentia,  abstinentia,  aequitate  in  obsequio  re- 
tiuet,  animosque  artibus  et  voluptatibus  mollit 

22-23.  Xova  expeditio  novas  gentes  aperit,  quae  prae- 
sidio  firmantur.  Agricolae  candor  in  communicanda 
gloria.  24.  Consilium  de  occupanda  Hibernia.  25-27. 
Civitates  trans  Bodotriam  sitae  explorantur.  Caledonii, 
Romanos  aggressi,  consilio  ductuque  Agricolae  pulsi,  sacri- 
ficiis  conspirationem  civitatum  sanciunt.  28.  Usipiorum 
cohors  miro  casu  Britanniam  circumvecta.  Agricolae 
filius  obit.  29-32.  Bellum  Britanni  reparant  Calgaco  duce; 
ejus  oratio  ad  suos.  33,  34.  Romanos  quoque  hortatur 
Agricola.  35-37.  Atrox  et  cruentum  proelium.  38.  Penes 
Romanos  victoria.  Agricola  Britanniam  circumvehi  prae- 
cipit. 

39.  Domitianus,  fronte  laetus,  pectore  anzius,  nuntium 
victoriae  excipit.  40.  Honores  tamen  Agricolae  decerni 
jubet,  condito  odio,  donee  provincia  decedat  Agricola.  Is 
redux  modeste  agit.  41.  Periculum  ab  accusatoribus  et 
laudatoribus.  42.  Excusat  se,  ne  provinciam  sortiatur 
proconsul.  43.  Obit  non  sine  veneni  suspicione  a  Domi- 
tiano  dati.  44.  Ejus  aetas,  habitus,  honores,  opes.  45. 
Mortis  opportunitas  ante  Domitiani  atrocitates.  46.  Que- 
st us  scriptoris  et  ex  virtute  solatia.  Fama  Agricolae  ad. 
posteros  transmissa. 


1.  Clarorum  virorum  facta  moresque  posteris  tra- 
dere,  antiquitus  usitatum,  ne  nostris  quidem  temporibus 
quamquam  incuriosa  suorum  aetas  omisit,  quotiens 
magna  aliqua  ac  nobilis  virtus  vicit  ac  supergressa  est 
vitium  parvis  magnisque  civitatibus  commune,  ignc-  5 


46  COENELII    TACITI 

rantiam  recti  et  invidiam.  Sed  apud  priores  ut  agere 
digna  memoratu  pronum  magisque  in  aperto  erat,  ita 
celeberrimus  quisque  ingenio  ad  prodendam  virtutis 
memoriam  sine  gratia  aut  ambitioue  bonae  tantum 
5  conscientiae  pretio  ducebatur.  Ac  plerique  suam  ipsi 
vitara  narrare  fiduciam  potius  morum  quam  arro- 
gantiara  arbitrati  sunt ;  nee  id  Rutilio  et  Scauro  citra 
fidem  aut  obtrectationi  fuit :  adeo  virtutes  isdem  tem- 
poribus  optime  aestimantur,  quibus  facillime  gignun- 

10  tur.  At  nunc  narraturo  mihi  vitara  defuncti  hominis 
venia  opus  fuit,  quam  non  petissem  incusaturus  tain 
saeva  et  infesta  virtutibus  tempera. 

2.  Legimus,  cum  Aruleuo  Rustico  Paetus  Thrasea, 
Herennio  Senecioni  Priscus  Helvidius  laudati  esseut, 

15  capitale  fuisse,  neque  in  ipsos  modo  auctores  sed  in 
libros  quoque  eorum  saevitum,  delegate  triumviris 
ministerio  ut  monumeuta  clarissimorum  ingeniorum 
in  comitio  ac  foro  urerentur.  Scilicet  illo  igne  vocem 
populi  Romani  et  libertatem  seiiatus  et  conscientiam 

20  generis  humani  aboleri  arbitrabantur,  expulsis  insuper 
sapientiae  professoribus  atque  omni  bona  arte  in 
exsilium  acta,  ne  quid  usquam  honestum  occurreret. 
Dedimus  profecto  grande  patientiae  documentum ;  et 
sicut  vetus  aetas  vidit  quid  ultimum  in  libertate  esset, 

25  ita  nos  quid  in  servitute,  adempto  per  inquisitiones 
etiam  loquendi  audiendique  commercio.  Memoriam 
quoque  ipsam  cum  voce  perdidissemus,  si  tarn  in 
nostra  potestate  esset  oblivisci  quam  tacere. 


AGEICOLA.  47 

3.  Nunc  demura  rediit  animus,  et  quamquam  primo 
statim  beatissimi  saeculi  ortu  Nerva  Caesar  res  olim 
dissociabiles    miscuerit,   principatum   ac   libertatem, 
augeatque  quotidie  felicitatem  temporum  Nerva  Tra- 
janus,  nee  spem  modo  ac  votum  securitas  publica  sed    5 
ipsius  voti  fiduciam  ac  robur  assumpserit,  natura  tamen 
infirmitatis   humanae   tardiora    sunt   remedia   quam 
mala ;  et  ut  corpora  nostra  lente  augescunt,  cito  ex- 
stinguuntur,  sic  ingenia  studiaque  oppresseris  facilius 
quam  revocaveris.     Subit  quippe  etiam  ipsius  inertiae  10 
dulcedo,  et   invisa   primo   desidia  postremo  amatur. 
Quid,  si  per  quiudecim  annos,  grande  mortalis  aevi 
spatium.  multi  fortuitis  casibus,  promptissimus  quisque 
saevitia  principis  interciderunt?     Fauci,  ut  ita  dixe- 
rim,  non  modo  aliorum  sed  etiam   nostri  superstites  15 
sumus,  exemptis  e  media  vita  tot  annis,  quibus  juvenes 
ad  senectutem,  senes  prope  ad  ipsos  exactae  aetatis 
tefminos  per  silentium  venimus.     Non  tamen  pigebit 
vel  incondita  ac  rudi  voce  memoriam  prioris  servitutis 

ac  testimonium   praesentmm    bonorum    composuisse.  20 
Hie  interim  liber  honori  Agricolae  soceri  mei  destina- 
tus,  professione  pietatis  aut  laudatus  erit  aut  excu- 
sutus. 

4.  Cnaeus.  Julius  Agricola,  vetere  et  illustri  Foro- 
juliensiumcoloniaortus,  utrumqueavum  procuratorem  25 
Caesarum  habuit,  quae  equestris  nobilitas  est.     Pater 
Julius  Graecinus,  senatorii  ordinis,  studio  eloquentiae 
sapientiaeque  notus,  iisque  ipsis  virtutibus  iram  Caii 


48  CORNELII    TACITI 

Caesaris  meritus  :  namque  M.  Silanum  accusare  jussus, 
et  quia  abnuerat,  interfectus  est.  Mater  Julia  Pro- 
cilia  fuit,  rarae  castitatis.  Iii  hujus  sinu  indulgentia- 
que  educatus,  per  omnem  honestarum  artium  cultuni 
5  pueritiam  adolescentiamque  transegit.  Arcebat  eum 
ab  illecebris  peccantium  praeter  ipsius  bonam  inte- 
gramque  naturam,  quod  statim  parvulus  sedem  ac 
magistram  studiorum  Massiliam  habuit,  locum  Graeca 
comitate  et  provincial!  parsimonia  mixtum  ac  bene 

10  compositum.  Memoriai  teneo  solitum  ipsum  narrare 
se  prima  in  juventa  studium  philosophiae  acrius,  ultra 
quam  concessum  Romano  ac  senator!,  hausisse,  ni 
prudentia  matris  incensum  ac  flagrantem  animum 
coercuisset.  Scilicet  sublime  et  erectum  ingenium 

15  pulchritudinem  ac  speciem  magnae  excelsaeque  gloriae 
vehementius  quam  caute  appetebat.  Mox  mitigavit 
ratio  et  aetas,  retinuitque,  quod  est  difficillimum,  ex 
sapientia  modum. 

5.  Prima  castrorum  rudirnenta  in  Britannia  Sue- 

20  tonio  Paulino,  diligent!  ac  moderate  due!,  approbavit, 
electus  quern  contubernio  aestimaret.  Nee  Agricola 
licenter,  more  juvenum  qui  militiam  in  lasciviam 
vertunt,  neque  segniter  ad  voluptates  et  commeatus 
titulum  tribunatus  et  inscitiam  rettulit:  sed  noscere 

25  provinciam,  nose!  exercitui,  discere  a  peritis,  sequi 
optimos,  nihil  appetere  in  jactationem,  nihil  ob  formi- 
dinem  recusare,  simulque  et  anxius  et  intentus  agere. 
Non  sane  alias  exercitatior  magisque  in  ambiguo 


AGRICOLA.  49 

Britannia  fuit :  trucidati  veterani,  incensae  coloniae, 
intercept!  exercitus ;  turn  de  salute,  mox  de  victoria 
certavere.  Quae  cuncta  etsi  consiliis  ductuque  alte- 
rius  agebantur,  ac  summa  rerum  et  recuperatae  pro- 
vinciae  gloria  in  ducem  cessit,  artem  et  usum  et  5 
stimulos  addidere  juveni,  intravitque  animum  militaris 
gloriae  cupido,  ingrata  temporibus  quibus  sinistra  erga 
eminentes  iuterpretatio,  nee  minus  periculum  ex  magiia 
faraa  quam  ex  mala. 

6.  Hinc  ad  capessendos  magistratus  in  urbem  di-  10 
gressus  Domitiam  Decidianam,  splendidis  natalibus 
ortam,  sibi  junxit;  idque    matrimonium   ad   majora 
nitenti  decus  ac  robur  fuit;  vixeruntque  mira  con- 
cordia,  per  mutuam  caritatem  et  in  vicem  se  antepo- 
nendo,  nisi   quod   in   bona    uxore  tanto  major  laus  15 
quanto  in  mala  plus  culpae  est.     Sors  quaesturae  prc- 
viiiciam  Asiam,  proconsulem  Salvium  Titianum  dedit, 
quorum  neutro  corruptus  est,  quamquam  et  provincia 
dives  ae  parata  peccantibus,  et  proconsul  in  omnem 
aviditatem  pronus  quantalibet  facilitate  redempturus  20 
esset  mutuam  dissimulationem  mali.     Auctus  est  ibi 
filia,  in  subsidium  simul  et  solatium ;  nam  filium  ante 
sublatum  brevi  amisit.     Mox  inter  quaesturam  ac  tri- 
bunatum  plebis  atque  ipsum  etiam  tribunatus  annum 
quiete  et  otio  transiit,  gnarus  sub  Nerone  temporum,  25 
quibus   inertia   pro   sapientia  fuit.     Idem  praeturae 
tenor  et  silentium ;  nee   enim  jurisdictio  obvenerat. 
Ludos  et  mania  honoris  medio  rationis  atque  abun- 
4  — Tac.  E 


60  CORNELII    TACITI 

dantiae  duxit,  uti  longe  a  luxuria,  ita  famae  propior. 
Turn  electus  a  Galba  ad  dona  templorum  recogno- 
scenda,  diligentissima  conquisitione  efFecit,  ne  cujus 
alterius  sacrilegium  res  publica  quam  Neronis  sen- 
5  sisset. 

^  7.  Sequens  annus  gravi  vulnere  animum  domumque 
ejus  afflixit.  Nam  classis  Othoniana  licenter  vaga 
dum  Intemelios  (Liguriae  pars  est)  hostiliter  popu- 
latur,  matrem  Agricolae  in  praediis  suis  interfecit, 

10  praediaque  ipsa  et  magnam  patrimonii  partem  diri- 
puit,  quae  causa  caedis  fuerat.  Igitur  ad  sollemnia 
pietatis  profectus  Agricola,  nuntio  affectati  a  Vespa- 
siano  imperil  depreheusus  ac  statim  in  partes  trans- 
gressus  est.  Initia  principatus  ac  statum  urbis 

15  Mucianus  regebat,  juvene  admodum  Domitiano  et  ex 
paterna  fortuna  tantum  licentiam  usurpante.  Is 
missum  ad  delectus  agendos  Agricolam  integreque  ac 
strenue  versatum  vicesimae  legioni  tarde  ad  sacra- 
mentum  transgressae  praeposuit,  ubi  decessor  seditiose 

20  agere  narrabatur :  quippe  legatis  quoque  consularibus 
nimia  ac  formidolosa  erat,  nee  legatus  praetorius  ad 
cohibendum  potens,  incertum  suo  an  militum  ingenio. 
Ita  successor  simul  et  ultor  electus,  rarissima  mode- 
ratione  maluit  videri  invenisse  bonos  quam  fecisse. 

25  8.  Praeerat  tune  Britanniae  Vettius  Bolanus  pla- 
cidius,  quam  feroci  provincia  dignum  est.  Temperavit 
Agricola  vim  suam  ardoremque  compescuit,  ne  incre- 
sceret,  peritus  obsequi  eruditusque  utilia  honestis 


AGRICOLA.  51 

* 

miscere.    Brevi  deinde  Britannia  consularem  Petilium 
Cerialem  accepit.     Habuerunt  virtutes  spatium  exem-  x 
plorum,  sed  primo  Cerialis  labores  modo  et  discriniina, 
mox  et  gloriam  communicabat ;  saepe  parti  exercitus 
in  experimentum,  aliquando  majoribus  copiis  ex  eventu    O 
praefecit.     Nee   Agricola   umquara   in  suam  famam 
gestis  exsultavit ;  ad  auctorem  ac  ducem  ut  minister 
fortunam  referebat.     Ita  virtu te  in  obsequendo,  vere- 
cundia  in  praedicando,  extra  invidiam  nee  extra  glo- 
riam erat.  10 

9.  Revertentem  ab  legatione  legionis  divus  Vespa- 
sianus  inter  patricios  ascivit ;  ac  deinde  provinciae 
Aquitaniae  praeposuit,  spleudidae  inprimis  dignitatis 
administratioue  ac  spe  consulatus,  cui  destinarat. 
Credunt  plerique  militaribus  ingeniis  subtilitatem  15 
deesse,  quia  castrensis  jurisdictio  secura  et  obtusior  ac 
plura  maim  agens  calliditatem  fori  non  exerceat. 
Agricola  natural!  prudentia,  quamvis  inter  togatos, 
facile  justeque  agebat.  Jam  vero  tempora  curarum 
remissionumque  divisa :  ubi  conventus  ac  judicia  20 
poscerent,  gravis,  intentus,  severus,  sed  saepius  miseri- 
cors:  ubi  officio  satis  factum,  nulla  ultra  potestatis 
persona :  tristitiam  et  arrogantiam  et  avaritiam  exuerat. 
Nee  illi,  quod  est  rarissimum,  aut  facilitas  auctori- 
tatem  aut  severitas  amorem  deminuit.  Integritatem  25 
atque  abstinentiam  in  tanto  viro  referre  injuria  virtu- 
turn  fuerit.  Ne  famam  quidem,  cui  saepe  etiam  boni 
indulgent,  ostentanda  virtute  aut  per  artem  quaesivit : 


52  CORNELII    TACITI 

% 

procul  ab  aemulatione  adversus  collegas,  procul  a 
contentione  adversus  procurators,  et  vincere  iuglo- 
rium  et  atteri  sordidum  arbitrabatur.  Minus  trien- 
nium  in  ea  legatione  detentus  ac  statim  ad  spem 
5  consulatus  revocatus  est,  comitante  opinione  Britan- 
niam  ei  provinciam  dari,  uullis  in  hoc  suis  sermonibus, 
sed  quia  par  videbatur.  Haud  semper  errat  faraa ; 
aliquando  et  elegit.  Consul  egregiae  turn  spei  filiam 
juveni  mihi  despondit  ac  post  consulatum  collocavit, 

10  et  statim  Britanniae  praepositus  est,  adjecto  pontifi- 
catus  sacerdotio. 

10.  Britanniae  situm  populosque  multis  scriptoribus 
memoratos  non  in  comparationem  curae  ingeniive 
referam,  sed  quia  turn  primum  perdomita  est :  ita 

15  quae  priores  nondum  comperta  eloquentia  percoluere, 
rerum  fide  tradentur.  Britannia,  insularum  quas 
Romana  notitia  complectitur  maxima,  spatio  ac  caelo 
in  orientem  Germaniae,  in  occidentem  Hispaniae 
obtenditur,  Gallis  in  meridiem  etiam  inspicitur;  sep- 

20  tentrionalia  ejus,  nullis  contra  terris,  vasto  atque 
aperto  mari  pulsantur.  Formam  totius  Britanniae 
Livius  veterum,  Fabius  Rusticus  recentium  eloquen- 
tissimi  auctores  oblongae  scutulae  vel  bipenni  assimu- 
lavere ;  et  est  ea  facies  citra  Caledoniam,  unde  et  in 

25  universum  fama  est  transgressa:  sed  immsnsum  et 
enorme  spatium  procurrentium  extreme  jam  litore 
terrarum  velut  in  cuneum  tenuatur.  Hanc  oram 
novissimi  maris  tune  primum  Romaua  classis  circum- 


AGRICOLA.  63 

vecta  insulam  esse  Britanniam  affirmavit,  ac  simul 
incognitas  ad  id  tempus  insulas,  quas  Orcadas  vocant, 
invenit  domuitque.  Dispecta  est  et  Thule.  quia  hac- 
tenus  jussum ;  et  hiems  appetebat.  Sed  mare  pigrum 
et  grave  reinigantibus  perhibent  ne  ventis  quidem  5 
perinde  attolli,  credo  quod  rariores  terrae  montesque, 
causa  ac  materia  tempestatum,  et  profunda  moles  con- 
tinui  maris  tardius  impellitur.  Naturam  oceani  atque 
aestus  neque  quaerere  hujus  operis  est,  ac  multi  rettu- 
lere :  unum  addiderim,  nusquam  latius  dominari  mare,  10 
multum  fluminurn  hue  atque  illuc  ferre,  nee  litore 
tenus  accrescere  aut  resorberi,  sed  influere  penitus 
atque  ambire,  et  jugis  etiani  ac  montibus  inseri  velut 
in  suo. 

11.  Ceterum  Britanniam  qui  mortales  initio  colue-  15 
rint,  indigeuae  an  advecti,  ut  inter  barbaros,  parum 
compertum.     Habitus   corporum   varii    atque  ex  eo 
argumenta.    Namque  rutilae  Caledoniam  habitantium 
comae,  magni  artus  Germanicam  origiuem  asseverant. 
Silurum   colorati  vultus,  torti    plerumque   crines   et  20 
posita  contra  Hispania  Hiberos  veteres  trajecisse  easque 
sedes  occupasse  fidem  faciunt.     Proximi  Gallis  et  simi- 
les sunt,  seu  durante  originis  vi,  sen  procurrentibus  in 
diversa  terris  positio  caeli  corporibus  habitum  dedit. 
In  universum  tamen  aestimanti  Gallos  vicinam  insulam  25 
occupasse  credibile  est.     Eorum   sacra  deprehendas, 
superstitiouum    persuasioues ;    sermo   haud   multum 
diversus,  in  deposcendis  periculis  eadem  audacia  et, 
E2 


54  CORNELII    TACITI 

ubi  advenere,  in  detrectandis  eadem  formido.  Plus 
tamen  ferociae  Britanui  praeferunt,  ut  quos  nondum 
longa  pax  emollierit.  Nam  Gallos  quoque  in  bellis 
floruisse  accepimus ;  mox  segnitia  cum  otio  intravit, 
5  amissa  virtute  pariter  ac  libertate.  Quod  Britan- 
norum  olim  victis  evenit :  ceteri  manent  quales  Galli 
fuerunt. 

12.  In  pedite  robur;  quaedam   nationes  et  curru 
proeliantur.     Honestior  auriga,  clientes  propugnant. 

10  Olim  regibus  parebant,  nunc  per  priucipes  factionibus 
et  studiis  distrahuutur.  Nee  aliud  adversus  validissi- 
mas  gentes  pro  nobis  utilius  quam  quod  in  commune 
non  consulunt.  Rarus  duabus  tribusve  civitatibus  ad 
propulsandum  commune  periculum  conventus:  ita 

15  singuli  pugnant,  universi  vincuntur.  Caelum  crebris 
imbribus  ac  nebulis  foedum ;  asperitas  frigorum  abest. 
Dierum  spatia  ultra  nostri  orbis  mensuram  ;  nox  clara 
et  extrema  Britanniae  parte  brevis,  ut  finem  atque 
initium  lucis  exiguo  discrimine  internoscas.  Quod  si 

20  nubes  non  officiant,  aspici  per  noctem  soils  fulgorem, 
nee  occidere  et  exsurgere  sed  transire  affirmant. 
Scilicet  extrema  et  plana  terrarum  humili  umbra  non 
erigunt  tenebras,  infraque  caelum  et  sidera  nox  cadit. 
Solum,  praeter  oleam  vitemque  et  cetera  calidioribus 

25  terris  oriri  sueta,  patiens  frugum,  fecundum :  tarde 
mitescunt,  cito  proveniunt;  eademque  utriusque  rei 
causa,  multus  humor  terrarum  caelique.  Fert  Bri- 
tannia aurum  et  argentum  et  alia  metalla,  pretium 


AGBICOLA.  55 

vietoriae.  Gignit  et  oceanus  margarita,  sed  subfusca 
ac  liventia.  Quidara  artem  abesse  legentibus  arbi- 
trantur ;  nam  in  rubro  mari  viva  ac  spirantia  saxis 
avelli,  in  Britannia,  prout  expulsa  sint,  colligi.  Ego 
facilius  crediderim  naturam  margaritis  deesse  quam  5 
nobis  avaritiam. 

13.  Ipsi  Britanni  delectum  ac  tributa  et  injuncta 
imperii  munera  impigre  obeunt,  si  injuriae  absint:  has 
aegre  tolerant,  jam  domiti  ut  pareant,  nondum  ut 
serviant.     Igitur  primus  omnium  Romauorum  divus  10 
Julius  cum  exercitu  Britanniam  ingressus,  quamquam 
prospera  pugna  terruerit  incolas  ac  litore  potitus  sit, 
potest  videri  ostendisse  posteris,  non  tradidisse.     Mox 
bella  civilia  et  in  rem  publicam  versa  principum  arma, 
ac  longa  oblivio  Britanniae  etiam  in  pace :  consilium  15 
id  divus  Augustus  vocabat,  Tiberius  praeceptum.    Agi- 
tasse  Caium  Caesarem  de  intranda  Britannia  satis  con- 
stat,  ni  velox  ingenio,  mobilis  poenitentiae,  et  ingentes 
adversus  Germauiam  conatus  frustra  fuissent.     Divus 
Claudius  auctor  tandem  operis,  transvectis  legionibus  20 
auxiliisque  et  assumpto  in  partem  rerum  Vespasiano, 
quod  initium  venturae  mox  fortunae  fuit:  domitae 
gentes,  capti  reges  et  monstratus  fatis  Vespasianus. 

14.  Consularium  primus  Aulus  Plautius  praepositus 

ac  subihde  Ostorius  Scapula,  uterque  bello  egregius ;  25 
redactaque  paulatim  in  formam  provinciae  proxima 
pars  Britanniae ;  addita  insuper  veteranorum  colonia. 
Quaedam   civitatcs  Cogidunano  regi  donatae  (is  ad 


56  CORNELII    TACITI 

nostram  usque  meraoriam  fidissimus.mansit),  vetere 
ac  jam  pridem  recepta  populi  Roman!  consuetudine, 
ut  haberet  instrumenta  servitutis  et  reges.  Mox 
Didius  Gallus  parta  a  prioribus  continuit,  paucis 
5  admodum  castellis  in  ulteriora  promotis,  per  quae 
fama  aucti  officii  quaereretur.  Didium  Veranius 
excepit,  isque  intra  annum  exstinctus  est.  Suetonius 
hinc  Paulinus  biennio  prosperas  res  habuit,  subactis 
nationibus  firmatisque  praesidiis;  quorum  fiducia 

10  Monam  insulam  ut  vires  rebellibus  ministrantem 
aggressus  terga  occasioui  patefecit. 

15.  Namque  absentia  legati  remote  metu,  Britanni 
agitare  inter  se  mala  servitutis,  conferre  injurias  et 
interpretando  accendere:  nihil  profici  patientia  nisi 

15  ut  graviora  tamquam  ex  facili  tolerantibus  impe- 
rentur.  Singulos  sibi  olim  reges  fuisse,  nunc  binos 
imponi,  e  quibus  legatus  in  sanguinem.  procurator  in 
bona  saeviret.  "VAeque  discordiam  praepositorum, 
aeque  concordiam  subjectis  exitiosam.  Alterius 

20  manum  centuriones,  alterius  servos  vim  et  contumelias 
miscere.  Nihil  jam  cupiditati,  nihil  libidini  exceptum. 
In  proelio  fortiorem  esse  qui  spoliet :  nunc  ab  ignavis 
plerumque  et  imbellibus  eripi  domos,  abstrahi  liberos, 
injungi  delectus,  tamquam  mori  tantum  pro  patria 

25  nescientibus.  Quantulum  enim  transisse  militum,  si 
sese  Britanni  numerent?  Sic  Germanias  excussisse 
jugum  :  et  flumine,  nou  oceano  defendi.  Sibi  patriam, 
conjuges,  parentes,  illis  avaritiam  et  luxunam  causas 


AGRICOLA.  57 

belli  esse.  Recessuros,  ut  divus  Julius  recessisset, 
modo  virtutem  majorura  suorum  aeraularentur.  Neve 
proelii  unius  aut  alterius  eventu  pavescerent:  plus 
impetus,  majorem  constantiam  penes  miseros  esse. 
Jam  Britannorum  etiam  deos  misereri,  qui  Romanum  5 
ducem  absentem,  qui  relegatum  in  alia  insula  exer- 
citum  detinerent ;  jam  ipsos,  quod  difficillimum  fuerit, 
deliberare.  Porro  in  ejus  modi  consiliis  periculosius 
esse  deprehendi  quam  audere. 

16.  His  atque  talibus  in  vicem  instincti,  Boudicea,  10 
generis  regii  femina,  duce  (neque  euim  sexum  in  impe- 
rils discernunt)  sumpsere  universi  bellum  ;  ac  sparsos 
per  castella  milites  cousectati,  expugnatis  praesidiis 
ipsani  coloniam   invasere,  ut   sedem   servitutis;   nee 
ullum  in  barbaris  saevitiae  genus  omisit  ira  et  vie-  15 
toria.     Quod  nisi  Paulinus  cognito  provinciae  motu 
propere   subvenisset,  ainissa   Britannia   foret;  quam 
unius  proelii  fortuna  veteri  patientiae  restituit,  tenenti- 
bus  arma  plerisque,  quos   eonscientia   defectionis   et 
proprius  ex  legato  timor  agitabat,ne,quamquam  egre-  20 
gius  cetera,  arroganter  in  deditos  et,  ut  suae  exercitus- 
que  injuriae  ultor,  durius  consuleret.     Missus  igitur 
Petronius  Turpilianus,  tamquam  exorabilior  et  delictis 
hostium  novus  eoque  poenitentiae  mitior,  compositis 
prioribus  nihil  ultra   ausus,  Trebellio   Maximo  pro-  25 
vinciam  tradidit.     Trebellius,  segnior  et  nullis  castro- 
rum  experimentis,  comitate  quadam  curandi  provin- 
ciam  tenuit.     Didicere  jam  barbari  quoque  ignoscere, 


58  CORNELII    TACITI 

vitiis  blandientibus,  et  interventus  civilium  arraorum 
praebuit  justam  segnitiae  excusationem.  Sed  discordia 
laboratum,  cum  assuetus  expeditionibus  miles  otio 
lasciviret.  Trebellius,  fuga  ac  latebris  vitata  exercitus 
5  ira  indecorus  atque  humilis,  precario  mox  praefuit ; 
ac  velut  pacti,  exercitus  licentiam,  dux  salutem,  et 
seditio  sine  sanguine  stetit.  Nee  Vettius  Bolanus, 
mauentibus  adhuc  civilibus  bellis,  agitavit  Britanniam 
disciplina :  eadem  inertia  erga  hostes,  similis  petu- 
10  lautia  castrorum,  nisi  quod  iunocens  Bolanus  et  nullis 
delictis  invisus  caritatem  paraverat  loco  auctoritatis. 

17.  Sed  ubi  cum  cetero  orbe  Vespasianus  et  Britan- 
niam   recuperavit,   magni   duces,   egregii    exercitus, 
minuta  hostium   spes.      Et  terrorem   statim   iutulit 

15  Petilius  Cerialis,  Brigantum  civitatem,  quae  numero- 
sissima  provinciae  totius  perhibetur,  aggressus.  Multa 
proelia  et  aliquando  non  incruenta;  magnamque  Bri- 
gantum partem  aut  victoria  amplexus  est  aut  bello. 
Et  Cerialis  quidem  alterius  successoris  curam  fain  a  m- 

20  que  obruisset  sustinuitque  molem  Julius  Frontiuus, 
vir  magnus,  quantum  licebat ;  validamque  et  pugna- 
cem  Silurum  gen  tern  arm  is  subegit,  super  virtutem 
hostium  locorum  quoque  difficultates  eluctatus. 

18.  Hunc   Britanniae   statum,  has  bellorum  vices 
25  media  jam  aestate  transgressus  Agricola  invenit,  cum 

et  milites  velut  omissa  expeditione  ad  securitatem  et 
hostes  ad  occasionem  verterentur.  Ordovicum  civitas 
haud  multo  ante  adventum  ejus  alam  in  finibus  suis 


AGRICOLA.  59 

agentem  prope  universam  obtriverat,  eoque  initio 
erecta  provincia ;  et  quibus  bellum  volentibus  erat, 
probare  exemplum  ac  receutis  legati  animum  opperiri, 
cum  Agricola,  quamquam  transvecta  aestas,  sparsi  per 
proviuciam  numeri,  praesumpta  apud  militem  illius  5 
anni  quies,  tarda  et  contraria  bellum  inchoaturo,  et 
plerisque  custodiri  suspecta  potius  videbatur,  ire  ob- 
viam  discrimini  statuit ;  contractisque  legiouum  vexillis 
et  modica  auxiliorum  manu,  quia  in  aequuni  degredi 
Ordovices  non  audebant,  ipse  ante  agmen,  quo  ceteris  10 
par  animus  simili  periculo  esset,  erexit  aciem ;  caesa- 
que  prope  universa  gente,  non  ignarus  instaudum 
famae  ac,  prout  prima  cessissent,  terrorem  ceteris  fore, 
Monam  insulam,  cujus  possessione  revocatum  Pau- 
linum  rebellione  totius  Britanniae  supra  memoravi,  15 
redigere  in  potestatem  ammo  inteudit.  Sed,  ut  in 
dubiis  consiliis,  naves  deerant:  ratio  et  constantia 
ducis  transvexit.  Depositis  omnibus  sarcinis  lectissi- 
mos  auxiliarium,  quibus  nota  vada  et  patrius  nandi 
usus,  quo  simul  seque  et  arma  et  equos  regunt,  ita  re-  20 
pente  immisit,  ut  obstupefacti  hostes,  qui  classem,  qui 
naves,  qui  mare  exspectabaut,  nib.il  arduum  aut  in- 
victum  crediderint  sic  ad  bellum  venientibus.  Ita 
petita  pace  ac  dedita  insula  clarus  ac  magnus  haberi 
Agricola,  quippe  cui  ingredienti  provinciam,  quod  25 
tempus  alii  per  ostentationem  et  officiorum  ambitum 
transigunt,  labor  et  periculum  placuisset.  Nee  Agric- 
ola prosperitate  rerum  in  vanitatem  usus,  expedi- 


60  CORNELII    TACITI 

tionem  aut  victoriam  vocabat  victos  continuisse ;  ne 
laureatis  quidem  gesta  prosecutus  est,  sed  ipsa  dissimu- 
latione  famae  famam  auxit,  aestimautibus  quanta 
futuri  spe  tarn  magna  tacuisset. 

5  19.  Ceterum  animorum  provinciae  prudens,  simul- 
que  doctus  per  aliena  experimenta  parum  profici 
armis,  si  injuriae  sequereutur,  causas  bellorum  statuit 
excidere.  A  se  suisque  orsus  primum  domum  suam 
coercuit,  quod  plerisque  baud  minus  arduum  est  quam 

10  provinciam  regere.  Nihil  per  libertos  servosque 
publicae  rei,  non  studiis  privatis  nee  ex  commenda- 
tiorie  aut  precibus  centurionem  militesve  ascire,  sed 
optimum  quemque  fidissimum  putare.  Omnia  scire, 
non  onmia  exsequi.  Parvis  peccatis  veniam,  magnis 

15  severitatem  commodare ;  nee  poena  semper,  sed  sae- 
pius  poenitentia  conteiitus  esse ;  officiis  et  administra- 
tiouibus  potitis  uon  peccaturos  praeponere,  quam 
damnare  cum  peccassent.  Frumenti  et  tributorum 
exactionem  aequalitate  munerum  mollire,  circumcisis 

20  quae  in  quaestum  reperta  ipso  tributo  gravius  tolera- 
bautur.  Namque  per  ludibrium  assidere  clausis  hor- 
reis  et  emere  ultro  frumenta  ac  lucre  pretio  cogebantur. 
Devortia  itinerum  et  longinquitas  regionum  indice- 
batur,  ut  civitates  proximis  hibernis  in  remota  et  avia 

25  deferrent,  donee  quod  omnibus  in  promptu  erat,  paucis 
lucrosum  fieret. 

20.  Haec  primo  statim  anno  comprimendo  egregiam 
famam  paci  circumdedit,  quae  vel  incuria  vel  iutole- 


AGEICOLA.  61 

rantia  priorum  haud  minus  quam  bellum  timebatur. 
Sed  ubi  aestas  advenit,  contracto  exercitu  multus  in 
agraine,  laudare  modestiam,  disjectos  coercere,  loca 
castris  ipse  capere,  aestuaria  ac  silvas  ipse  praetemp- 
tare ;  et  nihil  interim  apud  hostes  quietum  ^)ati,  quo  5 
minus  subitis  excursibus  popularetur ;  atque  ubi  satis 
terruerat,  parcendo  rursus  invitamenta  pacis  ostentare. 
Quibus  rebus  multae  civitates,  quae  in  ilium  diem  ex 
aequo  egerant,  datis  obsidibus  iram  posuere,  et  prae- 
sidiis  castellisque  circumdatae  tanta  ratione  curaque,  10 
ut  nulla  ante  Britanniae  nova  pars  pariter  illacessita 
transient. 

21.  Sequens  hiems  saluberrimis  consiliis  absumpta. 
Namque  ut  homines  dispersi  ac  rudes  eoque  in  bella 
faciles  quieti  et  otio  per  voluptates  assuescerent,  hortari  15 
privatim,  adjuvare  publice,  ut   templa,  fora,  domos 
exstruerent,  laudando  promptos  et  castigando  segnes : 
ita  honoris  aemulatio  pro  necessitate  erat.     Jam  vero 
principum  filios  liberalibus  artibus  erudire,  et  ingenia 
Britannorum  studiis  Gallorum  anteferre,  ut  qui  modo  20 
linguam   Romanam   abnuebant,  eloquentiam    concu- 
piscerent.     Inde  etiam  habitus  nostri  honor  et  frequens 
toga.     Paulatimque  discessum  ad  delenimenta  vitio- 
rum,  porticus  et  balnea  et  conviviorum  elegautiam. 
Idque  apud  imperitos  humanitas  vocabatur,  cum  pars  25 
servitutis  esset. 

~T   22.  Tertius  expeditionum  annus  novas  gentes  ape- 

ruit,  vastatis  usque  ad  Tanaum  (aestuario  noruen  est) 

F 


62  COENELII    TACITI 

nationibus.  Qua  formidine  territi  hostes  quamquam 
conflictatum  saevis  tern pestati bus  exercitum  lacessere 
non  ausi ;  ponendisque  insuper  castellis  spatium  fuit. 
Annotabant  periti  non  alium  ducem  opportunitates 
5  locorum  sapientius  legisse ;  nullum  ab  Agricola  po- 
situm  castellum  aut  vi  hostium  expugnatum  aut 
pactione  ac  fuga  desertum  ;  crebrae  eruptiones ;  nam 
adversus  moras  obsidionis  annuis  copiis  firraabantur. 
Ita  intrepida  ibi  hiems  et  sibi  quisque  praesidio,  irritis 

10  hostibus  eoque  desperantibus,  quia  solid  plerumque 
damna  aestatis  hibernis  eventibus  pensare,  turn  aestate 
atque  hieme  juxta  pellebantur.  Nee  Agricola  um- 
quam  per  alios  gesta  avidus  intercepit :  seu  centurio 
seu  praefectus  incorruptum  facti  testem  habebat. 

15  Apud  quosdam  acerbior  in  conviciis  narrabatur ;  ut 
erat  comis  bonis,  ita  adversus  malos  injucundus. 
Ceterura  ex  iracundia  nihil  supererat ;  secretum  vel 
silentium  ejus  non  timeres :  honestius  putabat  offen- 
dere  quam  odisse. 

20  23.  Quarta  aestas  obtinendis  quae  percucurrerat 
insurapta ;  ac  si  virtus  exercituum  et  Romani  norainis 
gloria  pateretur,  inventus  in  ipsa  Britannia  terminus. 
Namque  Clota  et  Bodotria  diversi  maris  aestibus  per 
immensum  revectae,  angusto  terrarum  spatio  diri- 

25  muntur:  quod  turn  praesidiis  firmabatur,  atque  omuis 
propior  sinus  teuebatur,  suramotis  velut  in  aliam 
insulam  hostibus. 

24.  Quinto  expeditionum  anno  nave  prima  trans- 


AGRICOLA.  63 

gressus  ignotas  ad  id  terapus  gentes  crebris  simul  ac 
prosperis  proeliis  domuit ;  eamque  partem  Britanniae, 
quae  Hiberniaru  aspicit,  copiis  instruxit,  in  spem  magis 
quam  ob  formidinem  ;  si  quidem  Hibernia,  medio  inter 
Britanniam  atque  Hispaniam  sita  et  Gallico  quoque  5 
mari  opportuna,  valentissimam  imperii  partem  magnis 
in  vicem  usibus  miscuerit.  Spatium  ejus,  si  Britan- 
uiae  comparetur,  angustius,  nostri  maris  insulas  supe- 
rat.  Solum  caelumque  et  ingeuia  cultusque  hominum 
baud  multum  a  Britannia  differunt.  -Melius  aditus  10 
portusque  per  commercia  et  negotiatores  cogniti. 
Agricola  expulsum  seditione  doinestica  unum  ex  re- 
gulis  gentis  exceperat  ac  specie  amicitiae  in  occasionem 
rctinebat.  Saepe  ex  eo  audivi  legione  una  et  modicis 
auxiliis  debellari  obtinerique  Hiberniam  posse ;  idque  15 
etiara  adversus  Britanniam  profuturum,  si  Romana 
ubique  arma  et  velut  e  conspectu  libertas  tolleretur. 

25.  Ceterum  aestate,  qua  sextum  officii  annum  in- 
choabat,  amplexus  civitates  trans  Bodotriam  sitas, 
quia  motus  luiiversarum  ultra  gentium  et  infesta  hosti-  20 
lis  exercituj^tinera  timebautur,  portus  classe  explora- 
vit ;  quae  ab  Agricola  primum  assumpta  in  partem 
virium  sequebatur  egregia  specie,  cum  simul  terra 
simul  mari  bellum  impelleretur,  ac  saepe  isdem  castris 
pedes  equesque  et  nauticus  miles,  mixti  copiis  et  lae-  25 
titia,  sua  quisque  facta,  suos  casus  attollerent,  ac  modo 
silvarum  ac  montium  profunda,  modo  tempestatum  ac 
fluctuum  adversa,  hinc  terra  et  hostis,  hin~<?victus 


64  COENELII    TACITI 

oceanus  militari  jactantia  compararentur.  Britannos 
quoque,  ut  ex  captivis  audiebatur,  visa  classis  obstu- 
pefaciebat,  tamquam  aperto  maris  sui  secreto  ultimuni 
victis  perfugium  clauderetur.  Ad  manus  et  arma 
5  conversi  Caledoniam  incolentes  populi,  paratu  magno, 
majore  fama,  uti  mos  est  de  ignotis,  oppugnare  ultro 
castellura  adorti,  metum  ut  provocantes  addiderant ; 
regrediendumque  citra  Bodotriam  et  excedendum 
potius  quara  pellerentur  ignavi  specie  prudentium 

10  admonebant ;  cum  interim  cognoscit  hostes  pluribus 
agminibus  irrupturos.  Ac  ne  superante  numero  et 
peritia  locorum  circumiretur,  diviso  et  ipse  in  tres 
partes  exercitu  incessit. 

26.  Quod  ubi  cognitum  hosti,  mutato  repente  con- 

15  silio,  uuiversi  nonarn  legionem  ut  maxime  invalidam 
nocte  aggressi,  inter  somnum  ac  trepidationem  caesis 
vigilibus  irrupere.  Jamque  in  ipsis  castris  pugnaba- 
tur,  cum  Agricola  iter  hostium  ab  exploratoribus 
edoctus  et  vestigiis  iusecutus,  velocissimos  equitum 

20  peditumque  assultare  tergis  pugnantium  jubet,  mox 
ab  universisadjiciclamorem ;  et  propinqua  luce  fulsere 
sigua.  Ita  aucipiti  malo  territi  Britanni ;  et  Romanis 
rediit  animus,  ac  securi  pro  salute  de  gloria  certabaut. 
Ultro  quin  etiam  erupere,  et  fuit  atrox  in  ipsis  por- 

25  tarum  angustiis  proelium,  donee  pulsi  hostes,  utroque 
exercitu  certante,  his,  ut  tulisse  opem,  illis,  ne  eguisse 
auxilio  viderentur.  Quod  nisi  paludes  et  silvae  fugi- 
entes  texissent,  debellatum  ilia  victoria  foret. 


AGEICOLA.  65 

27.  Cujus  conscientia  ac  fama  ferox  exercitus  nihil 
virtuti  suae  invium  et  penetrandam  Caledoniam  inve- 
niendumque  tandem  Britanniae   terminum    continue 
proeliorum  cursu  fremebant.     Atque  illi  raodo  cauti 

ac  sapientes  prompt!  post  eventum  ac  magniloqui  erant.    5 
Iniquissima  haec  bellorum  condicio  est :  prospera  omnes 
sibi  vindicant,  adversa  uni  imputautur.     At  Britanni 
non  virtute  sed  occasione  et  arte  victos  rati,  nihil  ex 
arrogantia  remittere,  quo  minus  juventutem  armareiit, 
conjuges  ac  liberos   in   loca  tuta  transferrent,  coeti- 10 
bus  ac  sacrificiis  conspirationem  civitatium  sancirent. 
Atque  ita  irritatis  utrimque  animis  discessum. 

28.  Eadem  aestate  cohors  Usipiorum,  per  Germanias 
conscripta  et  in  Britanniam  transmissa,  magnum  ac 
memorabile  facinus  ausa  est.     Occiso  centurione  ac  15 
militibus,  qui  ad  tradendam  disciplinam  immixti  maui- 
pulis  exemplum  et  rectores  habebantur,  tres  liburnicas 
adactis  per  vim  gubernatoribus  ascendere ;  et  uno  remi- 
gante,  suspectis  duobus  eoque  interfectis,  nondum  vul- 
gato   rumore   ut   miraculum   praevehebantur.     Mox  20 
adaquatum   atque  utilia  raptum  exeuntes,  cum  pie- 
risque   Britannorum   sua   defensantium  proelio  con- 
gressi ;  ac  saepe  victores,  aliquando  pulsi,  eo  ad  extre- 
mum  inopiae  venere,  ut  infirmissimos  suorum,  mox 
sorte  ductos  vescerentur.     Atque  ita  circumvecti  Bri-  25 
tauniam,  amissis  per  inscitiam  regendi  navibus,  pro 
praedonibus  habiti,  primum  a  Suebis,  mox  a  Frisiis 
intercepti  sunt.     Ac  fuere  quos  per  commercia  venum- 

5  — Tac.  F2 


66  CORNELII    TAOITI 

datos  et  in  nostram  usque  ripam  mutatione  ementium 
adductos  indicium  tanti  casus  illustravit. 

29.  Initio  aestatis  Agricola  domestico  vulnere  ictus, 
anno  ante  natum  filium  amisit.     Quern  casum  neque 

5  ut  plerique  fortium  virorum  ambitiose,  neque  per 
lamenta  rursus  ac  maerorem  muliebriter  tulit :  et  in 
luctu  bellum  inter  reraedia  erat.  Igitur  praemissa 
classe,  quae  pluribus  locis  praedata  magnum  et  in- 
certum  terrorem  faceret,  expedite  exercitu,  cui  ex 

10  Britannia  fortissimos  et  longa  pace  exploratos  addide- 
rat,  ad  montem  Graupium  pervenit,  quern  jam  hostis 
insederat.  Nam  Britanni  nihil  fracti  puguae  prioris 
eventu,  et  ultionem  aut  servitium  exspectantes,  tan- 
demque  docti  commune  periculum  concordia  propul- 

15  sandum,  legationibus  et  foederibus  omnium  civitatium 
vires  exciverant.  Jamque  super  triginta  milia  arma- 
torum  aspiciebantur,  et  adhuc  affluebat  omnis  juventus 
et  quibus  cruda  ac  viridis  senectus,  clari  bello  et  sua 
quisque  decora  gestantes,  cum  inter  plures  duces  vir- 

20  tute  et  genere  praestans,  nomine  Calgacus,  apud  con- 
tractam  multitudinem  proelium  poscentem  in  hunc 
modum  locutus  fertur : 

30.  "  Quotiens  causas  belli  et  necessitatem  nostram 
intueor,  magnus  mihi  animus  est  hodiernum  diem  con- 

25  sensumque  vestrum  initium  libertatis  toti  Britanniae 
fore;  nam  et  universi  servitutis  expertes,  et  nullae 
ultra  terrae,  ac  ne  mare  quidem  securum  imminente 
nobis  classe  Romana.  Ita  proelium  atque  arma,  quae 


AGRICOLA.  67 

fortibus  honesta,  eadem  etiam  ignavis  tutissima  sunt. 
Priores  pugnae,  quibus  adversus  Romanos  varia  for- 
tuna  certatum  est,  spem  ac  subsidium  in  uostris  mani- 
bus  habebant,  quia  nobilissimi  totius  Britanniae  eoque 
in  ipsis  penetralibus  siti  nee  servientium  litora  aspi-  5 
cientes,  oculos  quoque  a  contactu  domiuationis  invio- 
latos  habebamus.  Nos  terrarum  ac  libertatis  extremes 
recessus  ipse  ac  sinus  faraae  in  hunc  diem  defendit : 
nunc  terminus  Britanniae  patet,  atque  omne  ignotum 
pro  magnifico  est.  Sed  nulla  jam  ultra  gens,  nihil  10 
nisi  fluctus  et  saxa,  et  infestiores  Romani,  quorum 
superbiam  frustra  per  obsequium  ac  modestiam  effuge- 
ris.  Raptores  orbis,  postquam  cuncta  vastantibus 
defuere  terrae,  jam  et  mare  scrutantur;  si  locuples 
hostis  est,  avari ;  si  pauper,  ambitiosi ;  quos  non  oriens,  15 
non  occidens  satiaverit.  Soli  omnium  opes  atque 
inopiam  pari  affectu  concupiscunt.  Auferre,  truci- 
dare,  rapere,  falsis  nominibus  imperium,  atque  ubi 
solitudinem  faciunt,  pacem  appellant." 

31.  "  Liberos    cuique   ac   propinquos   suos   natura  20 
carissimos  esse  voluit :  hi  per  delectus  alibi  servituri 
auferuntur:    conjuges   sororesque   etiam   si   hostilem 
libidinem  efFugiant,  nomine  amicorum  atque  hospitum 
polluuntur.      Bona    fortunaeque   in    tributum,    ager 
atque  annus  in  frumentum,  corpora  ipsa  ac  manus  25 
silvis  ac  paludibus  emuniendis  inter  verbera  ac  con- 
tumelias  conteruntur.     Nata  servituti  mancipia  semel 
veneunt,  atque  ultro  a  dominis  aluntur:  Britannia 


68  CORNELII    TACITI 

servitutem  suam  quotidie  emit,  quotidie  pascit.  Ac 
sicut  in  familia  recentissimus  quisque  servorum  etiam 
conservis  ludibrio  est,  sic  in  hoc  orbis  terrarum  vetere 
famulatu  rovi  DOS  et  viles  in  excidium  petimur ; 

5  neque  enira  arva  nobis  aut  metalla  aut  portus  sunt, 
quibus  exercendis  reservemur.  Virtus  porro  ac  fero- 
cia  subjectorum  ingrata  imperantibus ;  et  longinquitas 
ac  secretura  ipsura  quo  tutius,  eo  suspectius.  Ita 
sublata  spe  veniae  tandem  sumite  animum,  tarn  qui- 

10  bus  salus  quam  quibus  gloria  carissima  est.  Brigantes 
femina  duce  exurere  coloniam,  expugnare  castra,  ac 
nisi  felicitas  in  socordiam  vertisset,  exuere  jugum 
potuere:  nos  integri  et  indomiti  et  in  libertatem,  lion 
in  poenitentiam  arma  laturi,  primo  statim  congressu 

15  ostendamus,  quos  sibi  Caledonia  viros  seposuerit." 

32.  "  An  eandem  Romanis  in  bello  virtutem  quam 
in  pace  lasciviam  adesse  creditis  ?  Nostris  illi  dissen- 
sionibus  ac  discordiis  clari  vitia  hostium  in  gloriam 
exercitus  sui  vertunt ;  quern  coutractum  ex  diversissi- 

20  mis  geutibus  ut  secundae  res  tenent,  ita  adversae  dis- 
solvent :  nisi  si  Gallos  et  Germauos  et  (pudet  dictu) 
Britannorum  plerosque,  licet  dominationi  alienae  san- 
guinem  commodent,  diutius  tamen  hostes  quam  servos, 
fide  et  aflfectu  teneri  putatis.  Metus  ac  terror  sunt 

25  iufirma  vincla  caritatis ;  quae  ubi  removeris,  qui 
timere  desierint,  odisse  incipient.  Omnia  victoriae 
incitamenta  pro  nobis  sunt:  nullae  Romanos  coujuges 
accendunt,  uulli  pareutes  fugam  exprobraturi  suut; 


AGRICOLA.  69 

aut  nulla  plerisque  patria  aut  alia  est.  Paucos  nu- 
mero,  locorum  trepidos  ignorantia,  caelum  ipsum  ac 
mare  et  silvas,  ignota  omnia  circum  spectantes,  clauses 
quodara  modo  ac  vinctos  di  nobis  tradiderunt^  Ne 
terreat  vanus  aspectus  et  auri  fulgor  atque  argenti,  5 
quod  nee  tegit  nee  vulnerat.  In  ipsa  hostium  acie 
inveniemus  nostras  manus.  Agnoscent  Britanni  suam 
causam,  recordabuntur  Galli  priorem  libertatem ;  dese- 
rent  illos  ceteri  Germani,  tarn  quam  nuper  Usipi  re- 
liquerunt.  Nee  quicquam  ultra  formidinis ;  vacua  10 
castella,  senum  coloniae,  inter  male  parentes  et  injuste 
imperantes  aegra  municipia  et  discordantia.  Hie  dux, 
hie  exercitus :  ibi  tribute  et  metalla  et  ceterae  servi- 
entium  poenae,  quas  in  aeternum  perferre  aut  statim 
ulcisci  in  hoc  campo  est.  Proinde  ituri  in  aciem  et  15 
majores  yestros  et  posteros  cogitate." 

33.  Excepere  oration  em  alacres,  ut  barbaris  moris, 
cantu  fremituque  et  clamoribus  dissonis.  Jamque 
agmina  et  armorum  fulgores  audentissimi  cuj  usque 
procursu ;  simul  instruebatur  acies,  cum.  Agricola  20 
quamquam  laetum  et  vix  munimentis  coercitum  mili- 
tem  accendeudum  adhuc  ratus,  ita  disseruit :  "  Octa- 
vus  annus  est,  commilitones,  ex  quo  virtute  et  auspiciis 
imperii  Romani,  fide  atque  opera  vestra  Britanniam 
vicistis.  Tot  expeditionibus,  tot  proeliis,  seu  fortitu-  25 
dine  adversus  hostes,  seu  patientia  ac  labore  paene 
adversus  ipsam  rerum  naturam  opus  fuit,  neque  me 
militum  neque  vos  ducis  poenituit.  Ergo  egressi,  ego 


7^,,  CORNELII    TACITI 

veterum  legatorura,  vos  priorum  exercituum  terminos, 
fiuem  Britanniae  non  fama  nee  ruraore  sed  castris  et 
armis  teneraus.  Inventa  Britannia  et  subacta.  Equi- 
dem  saepe  in  agmiue,  cum  vos  paludes  montesve  et 

5  flumina  fatigarent,  fortissimi  cujusque  voces  audiebam : 
'  Quando  dabitur  hostis,  quando  acies  ? '  Veniunt,  e 
latebris  suis  extrusi,  et  vota  virtusque  in  aperto, 
omniaque  prona  victoribus  atque  eadem  victis  adversa. 
Nam  ut  superasse  tantum  itineris,  silvas  evasisse, 

10  transisse  aestuaria  pulchrum  ac  decorum  in  frontem, 
ita  fugientibus  periculosissima,  quae  hodie  prosperrima 
sunt.  Neque  enim  nobis  aut  locorum  eadem  notitia 
aut  commeatuum  eadem  abundautia,  sed  manus  et 
arma  et  in  his  omnia.  Quod  ad  me  attinet,  jam  pri- 

15  dem  mihi  decretum  est  ueque  exercitus  neque  duels 
terga  tuta  esse.  Proinde  et  honesta  mors  turpi  vita 
potior,  et  incolumitas  ac  decus  eodem  loco  sita  sunt ; 
nee  inglorium  fuerit  in  ipso  terrarum  ac  naturae  fine 
cecidisse." 

20  34.  "  Si  novae  gentes  atque  ignota  acies  constitisset, 
aliorum  exercituum  exemplis  vos  hortarer :  nuuc 
vestra  decora  receusete,  vestros  oculos  interrogate. 
Hi  sunt  quos  proximo  anno  unam  legionem  furto 
noctis  aggressos  clamore  debellastis;  hi  ceterorum 

25  Britanuorum  fugacissimi,  ideoque  tam  diu  superstites. 
Quo  modo  silvas  saltusque  penetrautibus  fortissimum 
quodque  animal  contra  ruere,  pavida  et  inertia  ipso 
agminis  sono  pelluntur,  sic  acerrimi  Britauuorum  jam 


AGEICOLA.  71 

pridem  ceciderunt;  reliquus  est  numerus  ignavorum 
et  metuentium.  Quos  quod  tandem  invenistis,  non 
restiterunt,  sed  deprehensi  sunt;  novissimae  res,  et 
extreme  metu  corpora  defixere  aciem  in  his  vestigiis, 
in  quibus  pulchram  et  spectabilem  victoriam  ederetis.  5 
Transigite  cum  expeditiouibus,  imponite  quinquaginta 
annis  magnum  diem,  approbate  rei  publicae  numquam 
exercitui  imputari  potuisse  aut  moras  belli  aut  causas 
rebellandi." 

35.  Et  alloquente  adhuc  Agricola  militum  ardor  10 
eminebat,  et  finem  orationis  ingens  alacritas  consecuta 
est ;  statimque  ad  arma  discursum.     Instinctos  ruen- 
tesque  ita  disposuit,  ut  peditum  auxilia,  quae  octo 
milium  erant,  niediam  aciem  firmarent,  equitum  tria 
milia   cornibus   affunderentur.     Legiones   pro   vallo  15 
stetere,  ingens  victoriae  decus,  citra  Romanum  sangui- 
nem  bellanti,  et  auxilium,  si  pellerentur.     Britauuo- 
rum  acies  in  speciem  simul  ac  terrorem  editioribus 
locis  constiterat  ita,  ut  primum  agmeu  in  aequo,  ceteri 
per  acclive  jugum  connexi  velut  insurgerent;  media  20 
campi  covinnarius  eques  strepitu  ac  discursu  comple- 
bat.     Turn  Agricola  superante  hostiuin  multitudine 
veritus,  ne  simul  in  frontem  simul  et  latera  suorum 
pugnaretur,  diductis  ordinibus  quamquam  porrectior 
acies  futura  erat  et  arcessendas  plerique  legiones  ad-  25 
monebant,  promptior    in   spem   et   firm  us    adversis, 
dimisso  equo  pedes  ante  vexilla  constitit. 

36.  Ac  primo  congressu  emiuus  certabatur ;  simul- 


72  CORNELII    TACITI 

que  constantia,  simul  arte  Britanni  ingentibus  gladiis 
et  brevibus  cetris  missilia  nostrorum  vitare  vel  excu- 
tere,  atque  ipsi  magnam  vim  telorum  superfundere, 
donee  Agricola  Batavorum  cohortes  ac  Tungrorum 
5  duas  cohortatus  est,  ut  rem  ad  mucrones  ac  manus 
adducerent ;  quod  et  ipsis  vetustate  militiae  exercita- 
tum  et  hostibus  inhabile,  parva  scuta  et  enormes  gla- 
dios  gerentibus.  Nam  Britannorum  gladii  sine 
mucrone  complexum  armorura  et  in  arto  pugnam 

10  non  tolerabant.  Igitur  ut  Batavi  miscere  ictus,  ferire 
umbonibus,  ora  foedare,  et  stratis  qui  in  aequo  ad- 
stiterant,  erigere  in  colles  aciem  coepere,  ceterae 
cohortes  aemulatione  et  impetu  connisae  proximos 
quosque  caedere ;  ac  plerique  semineces  aut  integri 

15  festinatione  victoriae  relinquebantur.  Interim  equi- 
tum  turmae,  ut  fugere  covinnarii,  peditum  se  proelio 
miscuere ;  et  quamquam  recentem  terrorem  intulerant, 
densis  tamen  hostium  agminibus  et  inaequalibus  locis 
haerebant ;  minimeque  aequa  nostris  jam  pugnae  facies 

20  erat,  cum  aegre  jam  diu  ante  stantes  simul  equorum 
corporibus  impel  lerentur ;  ac  saepe  vagi  currus,  ex- 
territi  sine  rectoribus  equi,  ut  quemque  formido  tule- 
rat,  transversos  aut  obvios  incursabant. 

37.  Et  Britanni,  qui  adhuc  pugnae  expertes  summa 

25  collium  insederant  et  paucitatem  nostrorum  vacui 
spernebant,  degredi  paulatim  et  circumire  terga  vin- 
centium  coeperant,  ni  id  ipsum  veritus  Agricola 
quattuor  equitum  alas,  ad  subita  belli  retentas,  veni- 


AGRICOLA.  73 

entibus  opposuisset,  quantoque  ferocius  accucurre- 
rant,  tanto  acrius  pulsos  in  fugam  disjecisset.  Ita  con- 
silium  Britannorura  in  ipsos  versum  ;  transvectaeque 
praecepto  ducis  a  fronte  pugnantium  alae  aversam 
hostium  aciem  invasere.  Turn  vero  patentibus  locis  5 
grande  et  atrox  spectaculum :  sequi,  vulnerare,  capere, 
atque  eosdem  oblatis  aliis  trucidare.  Jam  hostium, 
prout  cuique  ingenium  erat,  catervae  armatorum 
paucioribus  terga  praestare,  quidam  inermes  ultro 
ruere  ac  se  morti  offerre.  Passim  arma  et  corpora  et  10 
laceri  artus  et  cruenta  humus;  et  aliquando  etiam 
victis  ira  virtusque.  .  Postquam  silvis  appropinquave- 
runt,  collecti  primos  sequentium,  incautos  et  locorum 
ignaros,  circumveniebant.  Quod  ni  frequens  ubique 
Agricola  validas  et  expeditas  cohortes  indaginis  modo,  15 
et  sicubi  artiora  erant,  partem  equitum  dimissis  equis, 
simul  rariores  silvas  equitem  persultare  jussisset,  ac- 
ceptum  aliquod  vulnus  per  nimiam  fiduciam  foret. 
Ceterum  ubi  composites  firmis  ordinibus  sequi  rursus 
videre,  in  fugam  versi,  non  agminibus  ut  prius,  nee  20. 
alius  alium  respectantes,  rari  et  vitabundi  in  vicem 
longinqua  atque  avia  petiere.  Finis  sequendi  nox  et 
satietas  fuit.  Caesa  hostium  ad  decem  milia :  nostro- 
rum  trecenti  sexaginta  cecidere ;  in  quis  Aulus  Atticus 
praefectus  cohortis,  juvenili  ardore  et  ferocia  equi  hosti-  25 
bus  illatus. 

38.  Et  nox  quideni  gaudio  praedaque  laeta  victori- 
bus ;  Britaiini  palantes  mixtoque  virorum  mulierum- 

G 


74  CORNELII    TACITI 

que  ploratu  trahere  vulneratos,  vocare  integros,  dese- 
rere  domos  ac  per  iram  ultro  incendere,  eligere  late- 
bras  et  statim  relinquere ;  raiscere  in  vicern  consilia 
aliqua,  deiude  separare ;  aliquando  frangi  aspectu 
5  pignorum  suorum,  saepius  concitari ;  satisque  consta- 
bat  saevisse  quosdam  in  conjuges  ac  liberos,  tamquam 
misererentur.  Proximus  dies  faciem  victoriae  latins 
aperuit:  vastum  ubique  silentium,  deserti  colles, 
fumautia  procul  tecta,  nemo  exploratoribus  obvius ; 

10  quibus  in  oninem  partem  dimissis,  ubi  incerta  fugae 
vestigia  neque  usquam  conglobari  hostes  compertum, 
et  exacta  jam  aestate  spargi  bellum  nequibat,  in  fines 
Borestorum  exercitum  deducit.  Ibi  acceptis  obsidi- 
bus,  praefecto  classis  circumvehi  Britauniam  praecipit. 

15  Datae  ad  id  vires,  et  praecesserat  terror.  Ipse  peditem 
atque  equites  lento  itinere,  quo  novarum  gentium 
animi  ipsa  transitus  mora  terrerentur,  in  hibernis 
locavit.  Et  simul  classis  secunda  tempestate  ac  fama 
Trutulensem  portum  tenuit,  unde  proximo  Britauniae 

20  latere  lecto  omni  redierat. 

39.  Hunc  rerum  cursum,  quamquam  nulla  verbo- 
rum  jactantia  epistolis  Agricolae  auctura,  ut  Domi- 
tiano  moris  erat,  fronte  laetus,  pectore  anxius  excepit. 
Inerat  conscientia  derisui  fuisse  nuper  falsum  e  Gcr- 

25  mania  triumphant,  emptis  per  commercia,  quorum 
habitus  et  crines  in  captivorum  speciem  formarentur ; 
at  nunc  veram  magnamque  victoriam  tot  mililms 
hostium  caesis  iugeuti  fama  celebrari.  Id  sibi  maxime 


AGKICOLA.  75 

formidolosum,  privati  hominis  nomen  supra  principis 
attolli :  frustra  studia  fori  et  civilium  artium  decus  in 
silentium  acta,  si  militarem  gloriam  alius  occuparet ; 
cetera  utcumque  facilius  dissimulari,  ducis  boni  impe- 
ratoriam  virtutem  esse.  Talibus  curis  exercitus,  quod-  5 
que  saevae  cogitationis  indicium  erat,  secreto  suo 
satiatus,  optimum  in  praesentia  statuit  reponere  odium, 
donee  impetus  famae  et  favor  exercitus  languesceret ; 
nam  etiam  turn  Agricola  Britanniam  obtinebat. 

40.  Igitur  triumphalia  ornamenta  et  illustris  statuae  10 
honorem,  et  quidquid  pro  triumpho  datur,  multo  ver- 
borum  honore  cumulata,  decerni  in  senatu  jubet  addi- 
que  iusuper  opiniouem,  Syriam  provinciarn  Agricolae 
destinari,  vacuam  turn  morte  Atilii  Rufi  consularis  et 
inajoribus  reservatam.     Credidere  plerique  libertum  15 
ex  secretioribus  ministeriis  missum  ad  Agricolam  codi- 
cillos,  quibus  ei  Syria  dabatur,  tulisse,  cum  praecepto 
ut,  si  in  Britannia  foret,  traderentur ;  eumque  libertum 
in  ipso  freto  oceaui  obvium  Agricolae,  ne  appellate 
quidem  eo  ad  Domitianum  remeasse ;  sive  verum  istud,  20 
sive  ex  ingeuio  principis  fictum  ac  compositum  est. 
Tradiderat  interim  Agricola  successori  suo  provinciam 
quietam  tutamque.     Ac  ne  notabilis  celebritate  et  fre- 
quentia  occurrentium  introitus  esset,  vitato  amicorutn 
officio  noctu  in  palatium,  ita  ut  praeceptum  erat,  venit ;  25 
exceptusque  brevi  osculo  et  nullo  sermone  turbae  servi- 
entium  immixtus  est.     Ceterum  uti  militare  nomeu, 
grave  inter  otiosos,  aliis  virtutibus  temperaret,  tran- 


76  CORNELII    TACITI 

quillitatera  atque  otium  penitus  hausit,  cultu  modicus, 
sermone  facilis,  uno  aut  altero  amicorum  comitatus, 
adeo  uti  plerique,  quibus  magnos  viros  per  ambitio- 
nem  aestimare  ruos  est,  viso  aspectoque  Agricola  quae- 
5  rerent  famam,  pauci  interpretareutur. 

41.  Crebro  per  eos  dies  apud  Domitianum  absens 
accusatus,  absens  absolutus  est.     Causa  periculi  non 
crimen  ullum  aut  querela  laesi  cujusquam,  sed  infensus 
virtutibus  princeps  et  gloria  viri  ac  pessimum  inimi- 

10  corum  genus,  laudantes.  Et  ea  insecuta  sunt  rei 
publicae  tempora,  quae  sileri  Agricolam  non  sinerent : 
tot  exercitus  in  Moesia  Daciaque  et  Germania  et  Pan- 
nonia  temeritate  aut  per  ignaviam  ducura  amissi,  tot 
militares  viri  cum  tot  cohortibus  expugnati  et  capti ; 

15  nee  jam  de  limite  imperii  et  ripa,  sed  de  hibernis 
legionum  et  possessione  dubitatum.  Ita  cum  damna 
damnis  continuarentur  atque  omnis  annus  funeribus 
et  cladibus  iusigniretur,  poscebatur  ore  vulgi  dux 
Agricola,  comparantibus  cunctis  vigorem  et  coustan- 

20  tiam  et  expertum  bellis  animum  cum  inertia  et  formi- 
dine  ceterorum.  Quibus  sermonibus  satis  constat 
Domitiani  quoque  aures  verberatas,  dum  optimus 
quisque  libertorum  amore  et  fide,  pessimi  malignitate 
et  livore  pronum  deterioribus  principem  exstimula- 

25  bant.  Sic  Agricola  simul  suis  virtutibus,  simul  vitiis 
aliorum  in  ipsam  gloriam  praeceps  agebatur. 

42.  Aderat  jam  annus,  quo  proconsulatuin  Asiae  et 
Africae  sortiretur ;  et  occiso  Civica  nuper  nee  Agric- 


AGRICOLA.  77 

olae  consilium  deerat  nee  Domitiano  exemplum. 
Accessere  quidam  cogitationum  principis  periti,  qui, 
iturusue  esset  in  provinciam,  ultro  Agricolam  interro- 
garent.  Ac  primo  occultius  quietem  et  otium  laudare, 
mox  operam  suam  in  approbanda  excusatione  offerre,  5 
postremo  non  jam  obscuri  suadentes  simul  terrentesque 
pertraxere  ad  Domitianum.  Qui  paratus  simulatione, 
in  arrogantiam  compositus,  et  audiit  preces  excusantis 
et,  cum  annuisset,  agi  sibi  gratias  passus  est,  nee  eru- 
buit  beneficii  invidia.  Salarium  tamen  procousulari  10 
solitum  offerri  et  quibusdam  a  se  ipso  concessum  Agric- 
olae  lion  dedit,  sive  offensus  non  petitum,  sive  ex  con- 
scientia,  ne  quod  vetuerat  videretur  emisse.  Proprium 
humani  ingenii  est  odisse  quern  laeseris :  Domitiani 
vero  natura,  praeceps  in  iram,  et  quo  obscurior,  eo  15 
irrevocabilior,  moderatione  tamen  prudentiaque  Agric- 
olae  leniebatur,  quia  non  contumacia  neque  inani 
jactatione  libertatis  famam  fatumque  provocabat. 
Sciant,  quibus  moris  est  illicita  mirari,  posse  etiam  sub 
malis  principibus  magnos  viros  esse,  obsequiumque  ac  20 
modestiam,  si  industria  ac  vigor  adsint,  eo  laudis  ex- 
cedere,  quo  plerique  per  abrupta,  sed  in  nullum  rei 
publicae  usum,  ambitiosa  morte  inclaruerunt. 

43.  Finis  vitae  ejus  nobis  luctuosus,  amicis  tristis, 
extraneis  etiam  ignotisque  non  sine  cura  fuit.  Vulgus  25 
quoque  et  hie  aliud  agens  populus  et  veutitavere  ad 
domum  et  per  fora  et  circulos  locuti  sunt ;  nee  quis- 
quain  audita  morte  Agricolae  aUt  laetatus  aut  statim 
G2 


78  CORNELII    TACITI 

oblitus  est.  Augebat  miserationem  constans  rumor 
veneno  interceptum :  nobis  nihil  comperti  affirmare 
ausim.  Ceterum  per  omnem  valetudinera  ejus  cre- 
brius  quam  ex  more  principatus,  per  nuntios  visentis, 
5  et  libertorum  primi  et  medicorum  intimi  venere,  sive 
cura  illud  sive  inquisitio  erat.  Supremo  quidem  die 
momenta  ipsa  deficientis  per  dispositos  cursores  nun- 
tiata  constabat,  nullo  credente  sic  accelerari,  quae 
tristis  audiret.  Speciem  tamen  doloris  animo  vultu- 

10  que  prae  se  tulit,  securus  jam  odii,  et  qui  facilius  dis- 
simularet  gaudium  quam  metum.  Satis  constabat, 
lecto  testamento  Agricolae,  quo  coheredem  optimae 
uxori  et  piissimae  filiae  Domitianum  scripsit,  laetatum 
eum  velut  honore  judicioque.  Tarn  caeca  et  corrupta 

15  mens  assiduis  adulationibus  erat,  ut  nesciret  a  bono 
patre  non  scribi  heredem  nisi  malurn  principem. 

44.  Natus  erat  Agricola  Caio  Caesare  tertium  con- 
sule  idibus  Juuiis  :  excessit  sexto  et  quinquagesimo 
anno,  decimo  kalendas  Septembres  Collega  Priscoque 

20  consul ibus.  Quod  si  babitum  quoque  ejus  poster! 
uoscere  velint,  decentior  quam  sublimior  fuit ;  nihil 
metus  in  vultu :  gratia  oris  supererat.  Bonum  virurn 
facile  crederes,  magnum  libenter.  Et  ipse  quidem, 
quamquam  medio  in  spatio  integrae  aetatis  ereptus, 

25  quantum  ad  gloriam,  lougissmium  aevum  peregit. 
Quippe  et  vera  boua,  quae  in  virtutibus  sita  sunt, 
impleverat,  et  consular!  ac  triumphalibus  ornamentis 
praedito  quid  aliud  adstruere  fortuua  poterat  ?  Opi- 


AGRICOLA.  79 

bus  nimiis  uon  gaudebat ;  speciosae  contigerant.  Filia 
atque  uxore  superstitibus  potest  videri  etiam  beatus 
incolumi  dignitate,  florente  faraa,  salvis  affinitatibus  et 
amicitiis  futura  effugisse.  Nam  sicut  magnae  cujus- 
dam  felicitatis  esset  durare  in  hac  beatissimi  saeculi  5 
luce  ac  principem  Trajanum  videre,  quod  augurio 
votisque  apud  nostras  aures  ominabatur,  ita  festinatae 
mortis  grande  solatium  tulit  evasisse  postremum  illud 
tempus,  quo  Domitianus  non  jam  per  intervalla  ac 
spiramenta  teraporum,  sed  continuo  et  velut  uno  ictu  10 
rem  publicam  exhausit. 

45.  Noil  vidit  Agricola  obsessam  curiam  et  clausum 
armis  senatum  et  eadem  strage  tot  consularium  caedes, 
tot  nobilissimarum  feminarum  exsilia  et  fugas.  Una 
adhuc  victoria  Carus  Metius  censebatur,  et  iutra  Alba-  15 
nam  arcem  sententia  Messalini  strepebat,  et  Massa 
Baebius  jam  turn  reus  erat :  mox  nostrae  duxere  Hel- 
vidium  in  carcerem  manus ;  nos  Maurici  Rusticique 
visus,  nos  innocenti  sanguine  Senesio  perfudit.  Nero 
tamen  subtraxit  oculos  suos  jussitque  scelera,  non  spec-  20 
tavit ;  praecipua  sub  Domitiano  miseriarum  pars  erat 
videre  et  aspici,  cum  suspiria  nostra  subscriberentur, 
cum  denotandis  tot  hominum  palloribus  sufficeret 
saevus  ille  vultus  et  rubor,  quo  se  contra  pudorem 
muniebat.  25 

Tu  vero  felix,  Agricola,  non  vitae  tantum  claritate 
sed  etiam  opportunitate  mortis.  Ut  perhibent  qui 
interfueruut  novissimis  sermonibus  tuis,  constans  et 


80  CORNELII    TACITI 

libens  fatum  excepisti,  tamquara  pro  virili  portione 
innocentiam  principi  donares.  Sed  mihi  filiaeque 
ejus  praeter  acerbitatem  parentis  erepti  auget  mae- 
stitiam,  quod  assidere  valetudini,  fovere  deficientera, 
5  satiari  vultu  complexuque  non  contigit.  Excepisse- 
mus  certe  maudata  vocesque,  quas  penitus  animo 
figeremus.  Noster  hie  dolor,  nostrum  vulnus,  nobis 
tarn  loiigae  absentiae  condicione  ante  quadrienuium 
arnissus  est.  Omnia  sine  dubio,  optime  parentum, 

10  assidente  amantissima  uxore,  superfuere  honori  tuo ; 
paucioribus  tamen  lacrimis  coraploratus  es,  et  no- 
vissima  in  luce  desideravere  aliquid  oculi  tui. 

46.  Si  quis  piorum  mauibus  locus,  si,  ut  sapientibus 
placet,  non  cum  corpore  exstinguuntur  magnae  ani- 

15  mae,  placide  quiescas,  nosque,  domum  tuam,  ab  infirmo 
desiderio  et  muliebribus  lamentis  ad  conteniplatiouem 
virtutum  tuarum  voces,  quas  nee  lugeri  nee  plangi 
fas  est.  Admiratkme  te  potius  et  immortalibus  laudi- 
bus  et,  si  natura  suppeditet,  imitando  colamus :  is 

20  verus  honos,  ea  conjunctissimi  cuj  usque  pietas.  Id 
filiae  quoque  uxorique  praeceperim,  sic  patris,  sic 
mariti  memoriam  venerari,  ut  omnia  facta  dictaque 
ejus  secum  revolvant,  formamque  ac  figuram  aninii 
magis  quam  corporis  complectantur,  non  quia  inter- 

25  cedendum  putem  imaginibus  quae  marmore  aut  acre 
finguntur,  sed,  ut  vultus  hominum,  ita  simulacra 
vultus  imbecilla  ac  mortalia  sunt,  forma  mentis 
aeterna,  quam  teuere  et  exprimere  non  per  alieuam 


AGEICOLA.  81 

materiam  et  artem,  sed  tuis  ipse  moribus  possis. 
Quidquid  ex  Agricola  amavimus,  quidquid  mirati 
sumus,  manet  mausurumque  est  in  animis  hoininum, 
in  aeternitate  temporum,  fama  return ;  nam  multos 
veterum  velut  inglorios  et  ignobiles  oblivio  obruet:  5 
Agricola  posteritati  narratus  et  traditus  superstes 
erit. 

6  — Tac. 


CORNELII    TACITI 
DIALOGUS 

DE      OKATORIBUS. 

BREVIARITJM. 

CAP.  1.  Postquam  Justus  Fabius  saepe  ex  auctore  dialog! 
requisiverat,  cur  non  amplius  vigeat  eloquentiae  studium, 
hie  non  suam  proferre  sententiani  statuit,  sed  repetere  ser- 
monem  hominum  disertissimorurn,  quos  eandem  quae- 
stionem  pertractantes  admodum  juvenis  audiyisset.  2,  3. 
Hi  sunt  Curiatius  Maternus,  ex  oratore  poeta,  M.  Aper  et 
Julius  Secundus,  celeberrima  turn  fori  ingenia,  qui  miran- 
tur,  quod  Maternus  fastiditis  orationum  causarumque 
studiis  omne  nunc  tempus  circa  tragoedias  consumat,  qua- 
rum  tamen  recitatione  offendisse  potentium  animos  dica- 
tur.  4.  Hie  poesin  a  se  nunc  coli  profitetur,  quia  sanctior 
haec  et  augustior  sit  eloquentia. 

5-8.  Hinc  oritur  disceptatio,  utrum  praestantior  sit  ars 
oratoria  an  poetica.  Aper  magnis  laudibus  praedicat  ora- 
toriae  artis  utilitatem,  voluptatem,  dignitatem,  ac  provocat 
ad  exempla  Marcelli  Eprii  et  Crispi  Vibii.  9, 10.  Poetarum 
contra  nullam  esse  dignitatem  dicit  et  utilitatem ;  volup- 
tatem vero  brevem,  laudem  inanem,  infructuosam  mul- 
tisque  recitationum  molestiis  ac  sumptibus  partam.  lis 
in  solitudinem  secedendum,  si  modo  dignum  aliquid  elabo- 
rare  velint,  et  mediocres  nemini  notos,  bonos  paucis ; 
studium  denique  illorum  non  minus  obnoxium  oflensae 

82 


TACITI    DIALOGUS    DE    ORATORIBUS.     83 

quam  oratorum.  Itaque  Materno,  ad  altiorem  eloquen- 
tiam  et  summa  nato,  non  subsistendum  esse  in  levioribus, 
sed  ab  auditoriis  et  theatris  in  forum  et  ad  causas  veraque 
proelia  redeundura. 

11-13.  Quae  cum  Aper  dixisset  acrius  et  intento  ore, 
remissus  et  s'ubridens  respondet  Maternus  ;  poeticae  studio 
majorem  parari  securitatem  et  gloriam,  quam  forensi  labore 
et  strepitu  litigantium  aut  comitatuum  salutationumque 
frequentia;  puriorem  vero  voluptatem  securo  et  secreto 
secessu  in  nemora  et  lucos,  quam  lucrosa  et  sanguinante 
in  foro  eloquentia,  quae  non,  ut  poesis,  aureo,  sed  ferreo 
saeculo  et  propter  malos  hominum  mores  in  locum  teli 
reperta  sit.  Dulcem  esse  poetarum  vitarn  et  curarum 
expertem,  anxiam  vero  oratorum,  qui  semper  vel  timeant 
vel  timeantur. 

14.  Colloquio  supervenit  Vipstanus  Messala,  admirator 
veterum  temporum  oratorumque,  recentiorum  contemp- 
tor.  15-17.  Hinc  Aper,  saeculi  sui  novorumque  rhetorum 
patronus,  accuratius  definiendum  censet,  quinam  oratores 
vocandi  sint  antiqui:  utrum  Ulixes  tantum  et  Nestor  et 
Menenius  Agrippa,  an  et  jam  Demosthenes  et  Hyperides, 
inter  quorum  et  hoc  aevum  non  multo  plures  quam  CCCC 
anni  intersint,  aut  Cicero,  Caesar,  Caelius,  Calvus,  Brutus, 
Asinius  et  Messala,  qui  vix  unius  hominis  aetate  sint  pri- 
ores.  18.  Formas  autem  et  genera  dicendi  cum  tempori- 
bus  ac  diversitate  aurium  mutari  monet,  et  vitio  maligni- 
tatis  humanae  semper  laudari  vetera,  praesentia  fastidiri. 
19,  20.  Cassium  Severum  a  multis  velut  terminum  antiqui- 
tatis  constitui  primumque  flexisse  ab  ilia  vetere  atque 
directa  dicendi  via,  non  infirmitate  ingenii  nee  inscitia 
litterarum,  sed  judicio  et  intellectu.  Olim  in  honore  fuisse 
longa  principia  et  narrationes,  divisionum  argumentorum- 
que  multorum  ostentationem  et  philosophica  orationi  in- 
serta;  nunc  ab  oratore  laetitiam  et  pulchritudinem  ora- 
tionis  poeticumque  decorem  exigi.  21,  22.  In  orationibus 
Calvi  quoque,  Caelii,  Caesaris,  Asinii,  Corvini  ipsiusque 
Ciceronis  multa  deprehendi  antiquitatis  vitia,  sordes  ver- 


84  TACITI    DIALOGUS 

borum,  hiantem  compositionem  et  sensus  inconditos,  quae 
tamensolamirentur  perversi  imitatores.  23.  Iniquos  igitur 
judices  esse,  qui  antiqua  tan  turn  efferant  laudibus  rbeto- 
rumque  recentiorum  commentarios  fastidiant.  Postremo 
Messalae  et  Materni  et  Secundi  virtu tes  praedicat  eosque 
ad  illustrandum  saeculum  suum  pulcherrimo  dicendi 
genere  exhortatur,  cum  videat  eos,  quae  vera  sit  eloquen- 
tiae  ars,  laetissima  quaeque  antiquorum  imitari  ac  gravi- 
tati  sensuum  nitorem  cultumque  verborum  miscere. 

24.  Turn  Maternus  admonet  Messalam  ut,  missa  anti- 
quorum  laudatione,  qui  ea  non  indigeant,  memor  potius 
promissi  causas  expromat,  cur  in  tantum  ab  eloquentia 
eorum  recesserit  aetas  recentior.  25.  Hie  primum  docet, 
quinam  antiqui  sint  appellandi ;  plures  etiam  dicendi 
formas  isdem  saeculis  fuisse  et  singulares  Calvi,  Asinii 
aliorumque  virtutes  :  quod  vero  se  invicem  obtrectaverint, 
non  esse  oratorum  vitium,  sed  hominum :  26,  gravitatem 
denique  et  cultum  oratorium  impetumque  veterum  longe 
praeferendum  esse  verborurn  lasciviae,  levitati  sententia- 
rum  et  compositionis  licentiae,  in  quibus  sibi  placeant 
recentiores. 

27-29.  Materno  iterum  rogante  Messala  transit  ad  expli- 
candas  causas  corruptae  eloquentiae,  primas  vero  et  prae- 
cipuas  putat  desidiam  juventutis  et  negligentiam  parentum 
et  inscientiam  praecipientium  et  moris  antiqui  oblivionem. 
Liberos  enim  non  jam  educari  in  gremio  ac  sinu  castae 
matris  aut  a  propinqua  majore  natu,  sed  Graeculae  ancillae 
delegari  et  servis,  a  quibus  teneri  eorum  animi  fabulis, 
erroribus  vitiisque  imbuantur.  30-33.  Eorundem  ingenium 
non,  ut  quondam,  severa  disciplina  et  infinite)  labore  et 
quotidiana  meditatione  et  in  omni  genere  studiorum 
exercitationibus  formari  atque  subigi,  sed  in  pueritia  et 
juventute  nihil  disci,  quod  usum  habeat.  Hinc  antiquam 
eloquentiam  ex  omnium  rerum  scientia  pluribusque  arti- 
bus  exundasse  et  oratorem  potuisse  de  omni  quaestione 
pulchre  et  ornate  et  varie  et  ad  persuadendum  apte  dicere ; 
horum  vero  temporum  disertos,  ariclis  rhetorum  praeceptia 


»E    ORATORIBUS.  85 

artinciisque  sordidissimis  contentos,  grammatices,  legum 
et  philosophiae  ignaros  esse. 

34,  35.  Materno  deinde  hortante  Messala  progreditur  ad 
aliam  corruptae  eloquentiae  causam,  ad  eximiam  antiquo- 
rum  oratorum  et  perversam  recentiorum  exercitationem. 
Juvenea  dicit,  imbutos  jam  domestica  disciplina,  honestis 
stucliis  refertos  ac  bene  praeparatos,  a  patre  olim  vel  pro- 
pinquis  fuisse  deductos  ad  principes  oratorum,  quos  sectati 
in  judiciis,  foro  contionibusque  pugnare  in  ipsa  veluti 
arena  et  acie  didicissent;  at  nunc  educatione  depravatos, 
inscios  ac  torpentes  transire  in  rhetorum  scholas,  in  quibus 
duo  materiarum  genera,  suasoriae  et  controversiae,  trac- 
tentur,  nee  facile  dixeris,  utrumne  locus  ipse  an  genus 
studiorum  an  condiscipuli  plus  mali  ingeniis  afferant. 

Hie  Messalae  sermo  mutilus  est :  eum  statim  excepisse 
videtur  sermo  Materni,  internis  corruptae  eloquentiae 
causis  externas  adnectentis  has : 

36,  37.  (1)  Uberiorem  ad  dicendum  materiam  fuisse  ora- 
toribus  antiquis,  splendorem  rerum  et  magnitudinem 
causarum,  leges  rogandas  et  populare  nomen,  condones 
magistratuum,  accusationes  potentiura  reorum  et  assigna- 
tas  etiam  domibus  inimicitias,  procerum  factiones  et  as- 
sidua  senatus  ad  versus  plebem  certamina.  (2)  Majora 
isdem  praemia  fuisse  proposita,  faciliores  ad  summos 
honores  aditus  eloquentia  patefaciendos,  plus  apud  prin- 
cipes et  magistratus  provinciates  gratiae,  apud  patres 
auctoritatis,  apud  plebem  notitiae  ac  nominis,  clientelas 
exterarum  nationum,  praeturas  et  consulatus.  38-40.  (3) 
Formam  et  consuetudinem  veterum  judiciorum  oratoribus 
favisse,  causas  in  foro,  non  in  auditoriis  tabulariisve  expli- 
catas,  liberum  et  dicendi  et  comperendinandi  tempus,  cla- 
morem  et  plausum  et  studia  certantis  populi,  reos  concursu 
totius  civitatis  et  accusatos  et  defensos,  contiones  assiduas 
et  datum  jus  potentissimum  quemque  vexandi.  40,  41. 
Neque  tamen  propterea  laudandam  censet  Maternus  valen- 
tiorem  eloquentiam,  quod  licentiae,  quam  stulti  libertatem 
vocent,  alumna  sit  et  conies  seditionum  et  effrenati  populi 

H 


86  TACITI    DIALOGU8 

incitamentum.  Earn  quidem  vigere  dicit  in  civitatibus, 
quae  discordiis  et  partibus  ee  ipsae  conficiant,  sed  in  quietis 
ac  bene  constitutes  non  opus  esse  tali  eloquentia  longisve 
in  senatu  sententiis  et  multis  apud  populum  contionibus  : 
multo  minus  in  re  publica,  in  qua  non  imperiti  et  multi 
deliberent,  sed  sapientissimus  et  unus.  Melius  esse  non 
queri  quam  vindicari,  et  si  inveniretur  aliqua  civitas,  in 
qua  nemo  peccet,  supervacaneum  fore  inter  innocentes  et 
mores  bonos  et  in  obsequium  regentis  paratos  oratorem 
sicut  inter  sanos  medicum.  Itaque  non  dolendum,  quod 
minor  nunc  oratorum  obscuriorque  gloria  sit,  sed  utendum 
potius  bonis  sui  cuique  saeculi  citraobtrectationem  alterius. 
42.  Dissolvitur  colloquium.  (Habitum  fingitur  anno  u. 
828,  p.  Ch.  75.) 


1.  SAEPE  ex  me  requiris,  Juste  Fabi,  cur,  cum 
priora  saecula  tot  eminentium  oratorum  ingeniis  glo- 
riaque  floruerint,  nostra  potissimum  aetas  deserta  et 
laude  eloquentiae  orbata  vix  nomeu  ipsum  oratoris 
5  retineat ;  neque  enim  ita  appellamus  nisi  antiques : 
horum  autem  temporum  diserti  causidici  et  advocati 
et  patroni  et  quidvis  potius  quam  oratores  vocantur. 
Cui  percontationi  tuae  respondere  et  tarn  magnae 
quaestionis  pondus  excipere,  ut  aut  de  ingeniis  nostris 
10  male  existimandum  sit,  si  idem  adsequi  non  possumus, 
aut  de  judiciis,  si  nolumus,  vix  hercule  auderom,  si 
mihi  mea  sententia  profereuda  ac  non  disertissimorum, 
ut  nostris  temporibus,  hominum  sermo  repotondus 
esset,  quos  eandem  hanc  quaestioncm  pertractantes 


DE    OKATOEIBUS.  87 

juvenis  admodum  audivi.  Ita  non  ingenio  sed  me- 
moria  et  recordatione  opus  est,  ut  quae  a  praestan- 
tissimis  viris  et  excogitata  subtiliter  et  dicta  graviter 
accepi,  cum  singuli  diversas,  vel  easdem,  sed  proba- 
biles  causas  adf'errent,  dum  formam  sui  quisque  et  5 
animi  et  ingenii  redderent,  isdem  nunc  numeris  isdem- 
que  rationibus  persequar,  servato  ordine  disputationis. 
Neque  enim  defuit  qui  diversam  quoque  partem  susci- 
peret,  ac  multum  vexata  et  irrisa  vetustate  nostrorum 
tempo-rum  eloquentiam  antiquorum  ingeniis  anteferret.  10 

2.  Nam  postero  die  quam  Curiatius  Maternus  Ca- 
tonem  recitaverat,  cum  offendisse  potentium  animos 
diceretur,  tamquam  in  eo  tragoediae  argumento  sui 
oblitus  tantum  Catonem  cogitasset,  eaque  de  re  per 
urbem  frequens  sermo  haberetur,  venerunt  ad  eum  15 
Marcus  Aper  et  Julius  Secundus,  celeberrima  turn 
ingenia  fori  nostri,  quos  ego  in  judiciis  non  utrosque 
modo  studiose  audiebam,  sed  domi  quoque  et  in  publico 
adsectabar  mira  studiorum  cupiditate  et  quodam  ar- 
dore  juvenili,  ut  fabulas  quoque  eorum  et  disputationes  20 
et  arcana  semotae  dictionis  penitus  exciperem,  quam 
vis  maligne  plerique  opinarentur,  nee  Secundo  promp- 
tum  esse  sermonem  et  Aprum  ingenio  potius  et  vi 
naturae  quam  institutione  et  litteris  famam  eloquentiae 
consecutum.     Nam  et  Secundo  purus  et  pressus  et,  in  25 
quantum  satis  erat,  profluens   sermo  non  defuit,  et 
Aper  omni  eruditione   imbutus  contemnebat  potius 
litteras  quam  nesciebat,  tamquam  majorem  industriae 


88  TACITI    DIALOGUS 

et  laboris  gloriam  habiturus,  si  ingenium  ejus  nullis 
alienaruin  artium  adminiculis  inniti  videretur. 

3.  Igitur  ut  intravimus  cubiculum  Materni,  seden- 
tem  ipsumque  quern  pridie  recitaverat  librum  intra 

5  manus  habentem  deprehendimus. 

Turn  Secundus,  'Nihilne  te,'  inquit,  'Materne, 
fabulae  malignorum  terrent,  quo  minus  ofi'ensas  Ca- 
tonis  tui  ames?  An  ideo  libruin  istum  apprehendisti, 
ut  diligentius  retractares,  et  sublatis  si  qua  pravae 

10  interpretation!  materiam  dederuut,  emitteres  Catonem 
non  quidem  meliorera  sed  tamen  securiorem  ? ' 

Turn  ille,  '  Leges,'  inquit,  '  quid  Maternus  sibi  de- 
buerit,  et  agnosces  quae  audisti.  Quod  si  qua  omisit 
Cato,  sequent!  recitatione  Thyestes  dicet ;  hanc  enim 

15  tragoediam  disposui  jam  et  intra  me  ipse  formavi. 
Atque  ideo  maturare  libri  hujus  editionem  festino, 
ut  dimissa  priore  cura  novae  cogitationi  toto  pectore 
iucumbam.' 

'  Adeo  te  tragoediae  istae  non  satiant,'  inquit  Aper, 

20  '  quo  minus  omissis  orationum  et  causarum  studiis 
omne  tempus  modo  circa  Medeam,  ecce  mine  circa 
Thyestem  cousumas,  cum  te  tot  amicorum  causae,  tot 
coloniarum  et  municipiorum  clientelae  in  forum 
vocent,  quibus  vix  suffeceris,  etiam  si  non  novum  tibi 

25  ipse  negotium  importasses,  Domitium  et  Catonem,  id 
est,  nostras  quoque  historias  et  Romaua  nomina  Grae- 
corum  fabulis  aggregares.' 

4.  Et  Maternus:  'Perturbarer  hac  tua  severitate, 


DE    ORATORIBUS.  89 

nisi  frequens  et  assidua  nobis  contentio  jam  prope  in 
consuetudiueiri  vertisset.  Nam  nee  tu  agitare  et  in- 
sequi  poetas  intermittis,  et  ego,  cui  desidiam  advoca- 
tiouum  otijicis,  quotidianum  hoc  patrocinium  defen- 
dendae  adversus  te  poeticae  exerceo.  Quo  laetor  5 
magis  oblatum  nobis  judicem,  qui  me  vel  in  futurum 
vetet  versus  facere,  vel,  quod  jam  pridem  opto,  sua 
quoque  auctoritate  compellat,  ut  omissis  forensium 
causarum  angustiis,  in  quibus  mihi  satis  superque 
sudatum  est,  sanctiorem  illam  et  augustiorem  eloquen-  10 
tiam  colam.' 

5.  'Ego  vero,'  inquit  Secundus,  'antequam  me 
judicem  Aper  recuset,  faciam  quod  probi  et  moderati 
judices  solent,  ut  in  iis  cognitionibus  se  excusent,  in 
quibus  manifestum  est,  alteram  apud  eos  partem  gratia  15 
praevalere.  Quis  enim  nescit  neminem  mihi  conjunc- 
tiorem  esse  et  usu  amicitiae  et  assiduitate  contubernii 
quam  Saleium  Bassum,  cum  optimum  virum  turn  ab- 
solutissimum  poetam  ?  Porro  si  poetica  accusatur,  non 
aliuni  video  reum  locupletiorem.'  20 

'Securus  sit,'  inquit  Aper,  'et  Saleius  Bassus  et 
quisquis  alius  studium  poeticae  et  carminum  gloriam 
fovet,  cum  causas  agere  non  possit.  Ego  enim,  qua- 
tenus  arbitrum  litis  hujus  inveni,  non  patiar  Maternum 
societate  plurium  defendi,  sed  ipsum  solum  apud  te  25 
coarguam,  quod  natus  ad  eloquentiam  virilem  et  ora- 
toriam,  qua  parere  simul  et  tueri  amicitias,  adsciscere 

necessitudines,  complecti  provincial  possit,  omittit  stu- 

H2 


90  TACITI    DIALOGUS 

dium,  quo  non  aliud  in  civitate  nostra  vel  ad  utili- 
tatem  fructuosius  vel  ad  dignitatem  amplius  vel  ad 
urbis  famam  pulchrius  vel  ad  totius  imperii  atque 
omnium  gentium  notitiam  illustrius  excogitari  potest. 
5  Nam  si  ad  utilitatem  vitae  omnia  consilia  factaque 
nostra  dirigenda  sunt,  quid  est  utilius  quam  earn 
exercere  artem,  qua  semper  armatus  praesidium 
amicis,  opem  alienis,  salutem  periclitantibus,  invidis 
vero  et  inimicis  metum  et  terrorem  ultro  feras,  ipse 

10  securus  et  quadam  velut  perpetua  potentia  ac  potes- 
tate  munitus?  Cujus  vis  et  utilitas,  rebus  prospere 
fluentibus,  aliorum  perfugio  et  tutela  intelligitur :  sin 
proprium  periculum  increpuit,  non  hercule  lorica  et 
gladius  in  acie  firmius  munimentum  quam  reo  et 

15  periclitanti  eloquentia,  praesidium  simul  ac  telum, 
quo  propugnare  pariter  et  incessere  vel  in  judicio 
sive  in  senatu  sive  apud  principem  possis.  Quid 
aliud  infestis  patribus  nuper  Eprius  Marcellus  quam 
eloquentiam  suam  opposuit?  Qua  accinctus  et  miuax 

20  disertam  quidem,  sed  inexercitatam  et  ejus  modi 
certaminum  rudem  Helvidii  sapientiam  elusit.  Plura 
de  utilitate  non  dico,  cui  parti  minime  contradicturum 
Maternum  meum  arbitror. 

6.  Ad  voluptatem   oratoriae   eloquentiae   transeo, 

25  cujus  jucunditas  non  uno  aliquo  momento  sed  omni- 
bus prope  diebus  ac  prope  omnibus  horis  contingit. 
Quid  enim  dulcius  libero  et  ingenuo  animo  et  ad 
voluptates  honestas  uato  quam  videre  plenam  semper 


DE    OBATORIBU*.  91 

et  frequentem  domum  suam  concursu  splendidissimo- 
rum  hominum  ?  Idque  scire  non  pecuniae,  non  orbi- 
tati,  non  officii  alicujus  administration!,  sed  sibi  ipsi 
dari  ?  Ipsos  quin  immo  orbos  et  locupletes  et  potentes 
venire  plerumque  ad  juvenem  et  pauperem,  ut  aut  5 
sua  aut  amicoruin  discrimina  commendent.  Ullane 
tanta  ingentium  opum  ac  magnae  potentiae  voluptas 
quam  spectare  homines  veteres  et  senes  et  totius  orbis 
gratia  subnixos  in  summa  rerum  omnium  abundantia 
confitentes,  id  quod  optimum  sit  se  non  habere?  Jam  10 
vero  qui  togatorum  comitatus  et  egressus !  quae  in 
publico  species !  quae  in  judiciis  veneratio !  quod 
gaudium  consurgendi  adsistendique  inter  tacentes  et 
in  uiium  converses!  coire  populum  et  circumfundi 
coronam  et  accipere  adfectum  quemcumque  orator  15 
induerit!  vulgata  dicentium  gaudia  et  imperitorum 
quoque  oculis  exposita  percenseo:  ilia  secretiora  et 
tantum  ipsis  orantibus  nota  majora  sunt.  Sive  accu- 
ratam  meditatamque  profert  orationem,  est  quoddam 
sicut  ipsius  dictionis,  ita  gaudii  pondus  et  constantia ;  20 
sive  novam  et  recentem  curam  non  sine  aliqua  trepi- 
datione  animi  attulerit,  ipsa  sollicitudo  commendat 
eventum  et  lenocinatur  voluptati.  Sed  extemporalis 
audaciae  atque  ipsius  temeritatis  vel  praecipua  jucun- 
ditas  est ;  nam  in  ingenio  quoque,  sicut  in  agro,  quam-  25 
quam  alia  diu  serantur  atque  elaboreutur,  gratiora 
tamen  quae  sua  sponte  nascuutur. 

7.  Equidem,  ut  de  me  ipse  fatear,  non  eum  diem 


92  llkCITI    DIALOGUS 

laetiorem  egi,  quo  mihi  latus  clavus  oblatus  est,  vel 
quo  homo  novus  et  in  civitate  miuime  favorabili 
natus  quaesturam  aut  tribunatum  aut  praeturam 
accepi,  quam  eos,  quibus  mihi,  pro  mediocritate  hujus 
5  quantulaecumque  in  dicendo  facultatis,  aut  reum 
prospere  defendere  aut  apud  centumviros  causam 
aliquam  feliciter  orare  aut  apud  principem  ipsos  illos 
libertos  et  procuratores  principum  tueri  et  defeudere 
datur.  Turn  mihi  supra  tribunatus  et  praeturas  et 

10  consulatus  ascendere  videor,  turn  habere  quod,  si  uon 
in  animo  oritur,  nee  codicillis  datur  nee  cum  gratia 
venit.  Quid?  fama  et  laus  cujus  artis  cum  oratorum 
gloria  comparanda  est?  Qui  tarn  illustres  in  urbe 
11011  solum  apud  negotiosos  et  rebus  intentos,  sed  etiam 

15  apud  vacuos  et  adolescentes,  quibus  modo  recta  in- 
doles  est  et  bona  spes  sui?  Quorum  nomina  prius 
parentes  liberis  suis  ingerunt  ?  Quos  saepius  vulgus 
quoque  imperitum  et  tunicatus  hie  populus  transeuntes 
nomine  vocat  et  digito  dernonstrat  ?  Advenae  quoque 

20  et  peregrini  jam  in  municipiis  et  coloniis  suis  auditos, 
cum  primum  urbem  attigerunt,  requirunt  ac  velut 
agnoscere  concupiscunt. 

8.  Ausim  contendere  Marcellum  hunc  Eprium,  de 
quo  modo  locutus  sum,  et  Crispum  Vibium  (libentius 

25  enim  no  vis  et  receutibus  quam  remotis  et  obliteratis 
exemplis  utor)  non  minus  notos  csse  in  extremis  parti- 
bus  terrarum  quam  Capuae  aut  Vercellis,  ubi  tali 
dicuntur.  Nee  hoc  illi  alterive  ter  milies  sestertium 


DE    ORATORIBU3.  93 

praestat,  quamquam  ad  has  ipsas  opes  possunt  videri 
eloquentiae  beneficio  venisse,  sed  ipsa  eloquentia ; 
cujus  numen  et  caelestis  vis  multa  quidem  omnibus 
saeculis  exempla  edidit,  ad  quam  usque  fortunara 
homines  ingenii  viribus  pervenerint,  sed  haec,  ut  supra  5 
dixi,  proxima  et  quae  non  auditu  cognoscenda,  sed 
oculis  spectanda  habemus.  Nam  quo  sordidius  et 
abjectius  nati  sunt,  quoque  notabilior  paupertas  et 
angustiae  rerum  nascentes  eos  circumsteterunt,  eo 
clariora  et  ad  demonstrandam  oratoriae  eloquentiae  10 
utilitatem  illustriora  exempla  sunt,  quod  sine  com- 
meudatione  natalium,  sine  substantia  facultatum, 
neuter  moribus  egregius,  alter  habitu  quoque  corporis 
coutemptus,  per  multos  jam  annos  potentissimi  sunt 
civitatis  ac,  donee  libuit,  principes  fori,  nunc  principes  15 
in  Caesaris  amicitia  agunt  feruntque  cuncta  atque  ab 
ipso  principe  cum  quadam  reverentia  diliguntur,  quia 
Vespasianus,  venerabilis  senex  et  patientissimus  veri, 
bene  intelligit  ceteros  quidem  amicos  suos  iis  niti,  quae 
ab  ipso  acceperint  quaeque  ipsi  accumulate  et  in  alios  20 
congerere  promptum  sit,  Marcellum  autem  et  Crispum 
attulisse  ad  amicitiam  suam  quod  non  a  principe  ac- 
ceperint nee  accipi  possit.  Minimum  inter  tot  ac 
tanta  locum  obtinent  imagines  ac  tituli  et  statuae, 
quae  neque  ipsa  tamen  negliguntur,  tarn  hercule  quam  25 
divitiae  et  opes,  quas  facilius  invenies  qui  vituperet 
quam  qui  fastidiat.  His  igitur  et  honoribus  et  orna- 
mentis  et  facultatibus  refertas  domos  eorum  videums, 


94  TA.CITI    DIALOGU8 

qui  se  ab  ineunte  adolescentia  causis  foreusibus  et 
oratorio  studio  dederunt. 

9.  Nam  carmina  et  versus,  quibus  totam  vitam 
Maternus  insumere  optat  (inde  -enim  omiiis  fluxit 
5  oratio),  ueque  dignitatem  ullam  auctoribus  suis  con- 
ciliant  neque  utilitates  alunt;  voluptatem  autem 
brevem,  laudem  inanem  et  infructuosam  consequun- 
tur.  Licet  haec  ipsa  et  quae  deinceps  dicturus  sum 
aures  tuae,  Materne,  respuant,  cui  bono  est,  si  apud 

10  te  Agamemnon  aut  Jason  diserte  loquitur?  Quis 
ideo  domum  defensus  et  tibi  obligatus  redit  ?  Quis 
Saleium  nostrum,  egregium  poetam  vel,  si  hoc  hono- 
rificentius  est,  praeclarissimum  vatem,  deducit  aut 
salutat  aut  prosequitur  ?  Nempe,  si  amicus  ejus,  si 

15  propinquus,  si  denique  ipse  in  aliquod  negotium  in- 
ciderit,  ad  hunc  Secundum  recurret  aut  ad  te,  Ma- 
terne, non  quia  poeta  es,  neque  ut  pro  eo  versus  facias ; 
hi  enim  Basso  domi  nascuntur,  pulchri  quidem  et 
jucundi,  quorum  tamen  hie  exitus  est,  ut  cum  toto 

20  anno,  per  omnes  dies,  magna  noctium  parte  unum 
librum  excudit  et  elucubravit,  rogare  ultro  et  ambire 
cogatur,  ut  sint  qui  dignentur  audire,  et  ne  id  quidem 
gratis ;  nam  et  domum  mutuatur  et  auditorium  ex- 
struit  et  subsellia  conducit  et  libellos  dispergit ;  et  ut 

25  beatissimus  recitationem  ejus  eventus  prosequatur, 
omnis  ilia  laus  intra  unum  aut  alterum  diem,  velut 
in  herba  vel  flore  praecepta,  ad  nullam  certam  et 
solidam  pervenit  frugem,  nee  aut  amicitiam  inde 


DE    ORATORIBUS.  95 

refert  aut  clientelara  aut  mansurum  in  animo  eujus- 
quam  beneficium,  sed  clainorem  vagum  et  voces  inanes 
et  gaudium  volucre.  Laudaviraus  nuper  ut  miram  et 
eximiam  Vespasiani  liberalitatem,  quod  quingenta 
sestertia  Basso  donasset.  Pulchruin  id  quidem,  in-  5 
dulgeutiam  principis  ingenio  mereri :  quanto  tamen 
pulchrius,  si  ita  res  familiaris  exigat,  se  ipsum  colere, 
suum  geniuui  propitiare, suam  experiri  liberalitatem? 
Adjice  quod  poetis,  si  modo  dignuoi  aliquid  elaborare 
et  efficere  velint,  relinquenda  couversatio  amicorum  et  10 
jucuuditas  urbis,  deserenda  cetera  officia  et,  ut  ipsi 
dicunt,  in  nemora  et  lucos,  id  est,  in  solitudinem  sece- 
dendum  est. 

10.  Ne  opinio  quidem  et  faina,  cui  soli  serviunt  et 
quod  uiiurn  esse  pretium  laboris  sui  fatentur,  aeque  15 
poetas  quam   ora tores   sequitur,  quoniam  mediocres 
poetas  nemo  novit,  bonos  pauci.     Quando  enim  raris- 
simarum  recitationum  fama  in  totam  urbem  penetrat? 
nedum  ut  per  tot  provincias  innotescat.     Quotus  quis- 
que,  cum  ex  Hispania  vel  Asia,  ne  quid  de  Gallis  20 
nostris  loquar,  in  urbem  venit,  Saleium  Bassum  re- 
quirit  ?     Atque  adeo  si  quis  requirit,  ut  semel  vidit, 
transit  et  contentus  est,  ut  si  picturam  aliquam  vel 
statuam  vidisset.     Neque  hunc  meum  sermonem  sic 
accipi  volo,  tamquam  eos,  quibus  uatura  sua  oratorium  25 
ingenium  denegavit,  deterream  a  carminibus,  si  modo 
in  hac  studiorum  parte  oblectare  otium  et  nomen  inse- 
rere  possunt  famae.     Ego  vero  omuem  eloquentiam 


96  TACITI    DIALOGUS 

omnesque  ejus  partes  sacras  et  venerabiles  puto,  nee 
solum  cothurnum  vestrum  aut  heroic!  carminis  so- 
num,  sed  lyricorum  quoque  jucunditatem  et  elegorum 
lascivias  et  iamborum  amaritudiuem  et  epigrammatum 
5  lusus  et  quamcumque  aliam  speciem  eloquentia  habet, 
anteponendam  ceteris  aliarum  artium  studiis  credo. 
Sed  tecum  mihi,  Materne,  res  est,  quod,  cum  natura 
tua  in  ipsam  arcem  eloqueutiae  ferat,  errare  mavis  et 
summa  adepturus  in  levioribus  subsistis.  Ut  si  in 

10  Graecia  natus  esses,  ubi  ludicras  quoque  artes  exercere 
houestum  est,  ac  tibi  Nicostrati  robur  ac  vires  di  de- 
dissent,  non  paterer  immanes  illos  et  ad  puguam 
natos  lacertos  levitate  jaculi  aut  jactu  disci  vanescere, 
sic  iiunc  te  ab  auditoriis  et  theatris  in  forum  et  ad 

15  causas  et  ad  vera  proelia  voco,  cum  praesertim  ne  ad 
illud  quidem  confugere  possis,  quod  plerisque  patro- 
cinatur,  tamquam  minus  obnoxium  sit  offendere  poe- 
tarum  quam  oratorum  studium.  Effervescit  enim  vis 
pulcherrimae  naturae  tuae,  nee  pro  amico  aliquo,  sed, 

20  quod  periculosius  est,  pro  Catone  offendis.  Nee  excu- 
satur  offensa  necessitudine  onicii  aut  fide  advocationis 
aut  fortuitae  ac  subitae  dictionis  impetu:  meditatus 
videris  etiam  elegisse  personam  notabilem  et  cum 
auctoritate  dicturam.  Sentio  quid  responderi  possit : 

25  hinc  ingentes  asseusus,  haec  in  ipsis  auditoriis  prae- 
cipue  laudari  etmox  omnium  sermonibus  ferri.  Tolle 
igitur  quietis  et  securitatis  excusationem,  cum  tibi 
sumas  adversarium  superiorem.  Nobis  satis  sit  pri- 


DE    ORATORIBUS.  97 

vatas  et  nrostri  saeculi  controversias  tueri,  in  quibus 
expressis  si  quaudo  necesse  sit  pro  periclitante  amico 
potentioruin  aures  offendere,  et  probata  sit  fides  et 
libertas  excusata.' 

11.  Quae  cum  dixisset  Aper  acrius,  ut  solebat,  et    5 
intento  ore,  remissus  et  subridens  Maternus, '  Parantem 
me,'  inquit,  '  non  minus  diu  accusare  oratores  quam 
Aper  laudaverat  (fore  enim  arbitrabar  ut  a  laudatione 
eorum  digressus  detrectaret  poetas  atque  carminum 
studium  prosterneret)  arte  quadam  mitigavit,  conce-  10 
deudo   iis   qui  causas  agere  non  possent,  ut  versus 
facerent.     Ego  autem  sicut  in  causls  agendis  efficere 
aliquid  et  eniti  fortasse  possum,  ita  recitatione  tragoe- 
diarum  et  ingredi  famam  auspicatus  sum,  cum  quidem 

in  Nerone  improbam  et  studiorum  quoque  sacra  pro-  15 
fanantem  Vatinii  potentiam  fregi,  et  hodie  si  quid  in 
nobis  notitiae  ac  nominis  est,  magis  arbitror  carminum 
quam  orationum  gloria  partum.  Ac  jam  me  dejun- 
gere  a  forensi  labore  constitui,  nee  comitatus  istos  et 
egressus  aut  frequentiam  salutationum  concupisco,  20 
non  magis  quam  aera  et  imagines,  quae  etiam  me 
nolente  in  domum  meam  irrumpunt.  Nam  statum 
hucusque  ac  securitatem  melius  innocentia  tueor 
quam  eloquentia,  nee  vereor  ne  mihi  umquam  verba 
in  senatu  nisi  pro  alterius  discrimine  facienda  siut.  25 

12.  Nemora  vero  et  luci  et  secretum  ipsum,  quod 
Aper  increpabat,  tantam  mihi  adferunt  voluptatem, 
ut  inter  praecipuos  carminum  fructus  uumerem,  quod 

7—  Tac.  I 


98  TACITI    DIALOGUS 

nou  iu  strepitu  uec  sedeute  ante  ostium  litigatore  nee 
iuter  sordes  ac  lacrimas  reorum  componuntur,  sed 
secedit  animus  in  loca  pura  atque  iimocentia,  fruitur- 
que  sedibus  sacris.  Haec  eloquentiae  primordia,  haec 
5  penetralia ;  hoc  priraum  habitu  cultuque  coinmeu- 
data  mortalibus  in  ilia  casta  et  nullis  contacta  vitiis 
pectora  iufluxit;  sic  oracula  loquebantur.  Nam 
lucrosae  hujus  et  sauguiuautis  eloquentiae  usus  receus 
et  malis  moribus  uatus,  atque,  ut  tu  dicebas,  Aper,  in 

10  locum  teli  repertus.  Ceterum  felix  illud  et,  ut  more 
nostro  loquar,  aureuni  saeculum  et  oratorum  et  cri- 
miuum  iuops,  poetis  et  vatibus  abundabat,  qui  beue 
facta  cauerent,  nou  qui  male  admissa  defenderent. 
Nee  ullis  aut  gloria  major  aut  augustior  honor,  pri- 

15  mum  apud  deos,  quorum  proferre  responsa  et  interesse 
epulis  ferebantur,  deinde  apud  illos  dis  geuitos  sacros- 
que  reges,  inter  quos  neminem  causidicorum,  sed 
Orphea  et  Linum  ac,  si  introspicere  altius  velis,  ipsum 
Apollinem  accepimus.  Vel  si  haec  fabulosa  nimis  et 

20  composita  videantur,  illud  certe  mihi  concedes,  Aper, 
non  minorem  honorem  Homero  quam  Demostheui 
apud  posteros,  nee  angustioribus  termiuis  famam 
Euripidis  aut  Sophoclis  quam  Lysiae  aut  Hyperidis 
includi.  Plures  hodie  reperies  qui  Ciceronis  gloriam 

25  quam  qui  Virgilii  detrectent ;  nee  ullus  Asinii  aut 
Messalae  liber  tarn  illustris  est  quam  Medea  Ovidii 
aut  Varii  Thyestes. 

13.  Ac  ne  fortunam  quidem  vatum  et  illud  felix 


DE    ORATORIBUS.  99 

contubernium  comparai'e  tirauerim  cum  inquieta  et 
anxia  oratorura  vita.  Licet  illos  certamina  et  pericuia 
sua  ad  consulatus  evexerint ;  malo  securum  et  quie- 
tum  Virgilii  secessum,  in  quo  tamen  neque  apud 
divum  Augustum  gratia  caruit  neque  apud  populum  5 
Romanuni  notitia.  Testes  August!  epistolae,  testis 
ipse  populus,  qui  auditis  in  theatre  Virgilii  versibus 
surrexit  universus  et  forte  praesentem  spectantemque 
Virgilium  veueratus  est  sic  quasi  Augustum.  Ne 
nostris  quidem  temporibus  Secundus  Pomponius  Afro  10 
Domitio  vel  dignitate  vitae  vel  perpetuitate  famae 
cesserit.  Nam  Crispus  iste  et  Marcellus,  ad  quorum 
exempla  me  vocas,  quid  habeut  in  hac  sua  fortuna 
concupiscendum  ?  Quod  timent,  an  quod  timentur  ? 
Quod,  cum  quotidie  aliquid  rogentur,  ii  quibus  prae-  15 
stant  indignantur?  Quod  alligati  adulatione  nee 
imperantibus  umquam  satis  servi  videntur  nee  nobis 
satis  liberi  ?  Quae  haec  summa  eorum  potentia  est  ? 
Tantum  posse  liberti  solent.  Me  vero  dulces,  ut  Vir- 
gilius  ait,  Musae,  remotum  a  sollicitudinibus  et  curis  20 
et  necessitate  quotidie  aliquid  contra  animum  faciendi, 
in  ilia  sacra  illosque  fontes  ferant ;  nee  insauum  ultra 
et  lubricum  forum  famamque  pallentem  trepidus  ex- 
periar ;  non  me  fremitus  salutantium  nee  auhelans 
libertus  excitet,  nee  incertus  futuri  testamentum  pro  25 
pigiiore  scribam,  nee  plus  habeam  quam  quod  possim 
cui  velim  relinquere,  quandoque  fatalis  et  meus  dies 
veniet,  statuarque  tumulo  non  maestus  et  atrox,  sed 


100  TACITI    DIALOGUS 

hilaris  et  coronatus,  et  pro  memoria  mei  nee  consulat 
quisquam  uec  roget.' 

14.  Vi.alum  finierat  Maternus,  concitatus  et  velut 
instinctus,  cum  Vipstanus  Messala  cubiculum  ejus 
5  iugressus  est,  suspicatusque  ex  ipsa  intentioiie  siugu- 
lorum  altiorem  inter  eos  esse  sermonem, '  Num  parum 
tempestivus,'  iuquit,  '  iuterveni  secretum  consilium  et 
causae  alicujus  meditationem  tractantibus  ? ' 

'Minime,  raiuime,'  inquit  Secundus,  'atque   adeo 

10  vellem  maturius  interveuisses ;  delectasset  enim  te  et 
Apri  nostri  accuratissimus  sermo,  cum  Materuum  ut 
omne  ingenium  ac  studium  suum  ad  causas  agendas 
converteret  exhortatus  est,  et  Materni  pro  carminibus 
suis  laeta,  utque  poetas  defendi  decebat,  audentior  et 

15  poetarum  quam  oratorum  similior  oratio.' 

'  Me  vero,'  inquit,  '  et  sermo  ipse  infinita  voluptate 
adfecisset,  atque  id  ipsum  delectat,  quod  vos,  viri 
optimi  et  temporura  nostrorum  oratores,  non  forensi- 
bus  tantum  negotiis  et  declamatorio  studio  ingenia 

20  vestra  exercetis,  sed  ejus  modi  etiam  disputationes 
adsumitis,  quae  et  ingenium  alunt  et  eruditionis  ac 
litterarum  jucundissimum  oblectamentum  cum  vobis, 
qui  ista  disputatis,  adferunt,  turn  etiam  iis,  ad  quorum 
aures  pervenerint.  Itaque  hercle  non  minus  probari 

25  video  in  te,  Secunde,  quod  Julii  Asiatici  vitam  com- 
ponendo  spem  hominibus  fecisti  plurium  ejus  modi 
librorum,  quam  in  Apro,  quod  nondum  ab  scholas- 
ticis  controverts  recessit  et  otium  suum  mavult  novo- 


DE    ORATORIBUS.  101 

0 

rum  rhetorum  more  quam,veterum  oratorum  consu- 
mere.' 

15.  Turn    Aper:    *N6n;,  c$esi#^' .Messajla.;  ;vetera 
tantum  et  antiqua  miraYi,"  noStiforunVaUtem'  tempo- 
rum  studia  irridere  atque  contemnere?     Nam  hunc    5 
tuum  sermonem  saepe  excepi,  cum  oblitus  et  tuae  et 
fratris  tui  eloquentiae  neminem  hoc  tempore  oratoreni 
esse  contenderes  prae   antiquis,  eo,  credo,  audacius, 
quod  malignitatis  opinionem  non  verebaris,  cum  earn 
gloriam,  quara    tibi   alii    concedunt,  ipse   tibi   dene-  10 
gares.' 

'  Neque  illius,'  inquit,  '  sermonis  mei  poenitentiam 
ago,  neque  aut  Secundum  .aut  Maternum  aut  te 
ipsum,  Aper,  quamquam  interdum  in  contrarium 
disputes,  aliter  sentire  credo.  Ac  velim  impetratum  15 
ab  aliquo  vestrum,  ut  causas  hujus  iufinitae  differen- 
tiae scrutetur  ac  reddat,  quas  mecum  ipse  plerumque 
inquiro.  Et  quod  quibusdam  solatio  est,  mihi  auget 
quaestionem,  quia  video  etiam  Graiis  accidisse,  ut 
longius  absit  Aeschiue  et  Demosthene  Sacerdos  ille  20 
Nicetes,  et  si  quis  alius  Ephesum  vel  Mytilenas  con- 
centu  scholasticorum  et  clamoribus  quatit,  quam  Afer 
aut  Africanus  aut  vos  ipsi  a  Cicerone  aut  ab  Asinio 
recessistis.' 

16.  '  Magnam,'  inquit  Secundus,  '  et  dignam  trac-  25 
tatu  quaestionem  movisti.     Sed  quis  earn  justius  ex- 
plicabit  quam  tu,  ad  cujus  summam  eruditionem  et 

12 


102  TACITI    DIALOGUS 

praestanjtissimun^  ingenium  cura  quoque  et  meditatio 
accessit?'1.         .  v 

Et  MeseHla',  /  A'p^riam,'  ..inquit,  '  cogitationes  meas, 
si  illud  a  vo'bfs  ante  irapetravero,  ut  vos  quoque  ser- 
5  monem  hunc  nostrum  adjuvetis.'. 

'  Pro  duobus,'  inquit  Maternus,  '  promitto ;  nam 
et  ego  et  Secundus  exsequeraur  eas  partes,  quas  in- 
tellexerimus  te  non  tarn  oraisisse  quam  nobis  reli- 
quisse.  Aprum  enim  solere  dissentire  et  tu  paulo 

10  ante  dixisti,  et  ipse  satis  manifestos  est  jam  dudum 
in  contrarium  acciiigi  nee  aequo  animo  perfeire  hanc 
uostram  pro  antiquorum  laude  coucordiam.' 

'  Non  enim/  inquit  Aper, '  iuauditum  et  indefensum 
saeculum  nostrum  patiar  hac  vestra  conspiratione 

15  damnari :  sed  hoc  primum  interrogabo,  quos  vocetis 
antiques,  quam  oratorum  aetatem  significatione  ista 
determinetis.  Ego  enim  cum  audio  antiques,  quos- 
dam  veteres  et  olim  natos  iutelligo ;  ac  mihi  versantur 
ante  oculos  Ulixes  ac  Nestor,  quorum  aetas  mille  fere 

20  et  trecentis  annis  saeculura  nostrum  antecedit :  vos 
autem  Demosthenem  et  Hyperidem  profertis,  quos 
satis  constat  Philippi  et  Alexandri  tempo ribus  floru- 
isse,  ita  tamen  ut  utrique  superstites  essent ;  ex  quo 
apparet  non  multo  plures  quam  trecentos  annos  inte- 

23  resse  inter  nostram  et  Demosthenis  aetatem.  Quod 
spatium  temporis  si  ad  infirmitatem  corporum  rostro- 
rum  referas,  fortasse  longum  videatur ;  si  ad  naturam 
saeculorum  ac  respectum  immensi  hujus  aevi,  per- 


DE    ORATOKIBUS.  103 

#• 

quam  breve  et  in  proximo  est.  Nam  si,  ut  Cicero  in 
Hortensio  scribit,  is  est  maguus  et  verus  annus,  quo 
eadem  positio  caeli  siderumque,  quae  cum  maxinie 
est,  rursuui  exsistet,  isque  annus  horum,  quos  nos 
vocamus,  annorum  duodecim  milia  nongentos  quin-  5 
quaginta  quattuor  complectitur,  incipit  Demosthenes 
vester,  quern  vos  veterem  et  antiquum  fingitis,  nou 
sol  urn  eodem  anno  quo  nos,  sed  fere  eodem  mense  ex- 
stitisse. 

17.  Sed  transeo  ad  Latinos  ora tores,  in  quibus  non  10 
Menenium,  ut  puto,  Agrippam,  qui  potest  videri  anti- 
quus,  nostrorum  temporum  disertis  anteponere  soletis, 
sed  Cicerouem  et  Caesarem  et  Caelium  et  Calvum  et 
Brutum  et  Asinium  et  Messalam  :  quos  quid  autiquis 
temporibus  potius  adscribatis  quam  nostris,  nou  video.  15 
Nam  ut  de  Cicerone  ipso  loquar,  Hirtio   nempe   et 
Pausa  cousulibus,  ut  Tiro  libertus  ejus  scripsit,  septimo 
idus  Decembres  occisus  est,  quo  anno  divus  Augustus 
in  locum  Pausae  et  Hirtii  se  et  Q.  Pediurn  consules 
sufiecit.     Statue   sex  et  quiuquaginta  annos,  quibus  20 
mox   divus   Augustus   rein   publicam   rexit;    adjice 
Tiberii  tres  et  vigiuti,  et  prope  quadriennium  Gai,  ac 
bis  quaternos  denos  Claudii  et  Nerouis  annos,  atque 
ilium  Galbae  et  Othonis  et  Vitellii  lougum  et  unum 
annum,  ac  sextam  jam  felicis  hujus  principatus  sta-  25 
tionem,  qua  Vespasianus  rem  publicam  fovet :  centum 
et  viginti  anui  ab  interitu  Cicerouis  in  hunc   diem 
colliguntur,  unius  hominis  aetas.     Nam  ipse  ego  in 


104  TACIT!    DIALOGUS 

Britannia  vidi  senem,  qui  se  fateretur  ei  pugnae  inter- 
fuisse,  qua  Caesarem  inferentem  arma  Britanniae 
arcere  litoribus  et  pellere  aggressi  suut.  Ita  si  eum, 
qui  armatus  C.  Caesari  restitit,  vel  captivitas  vel 
5  voluntas  vel  fatum  aliquod  in  urbem  pertraxisset, 
idem  Caesarem  ipsum  et  Ciceronem  audire  potuit  et 
uostris  quoque  actiouibus  interesse.  Proximo  quidem 
congiario  ipsi  vidistis  plerosque  senes,  qui  se  a  divo 
quoque  Augusto  semel  atque  iterum  accepisse  con- 

10  giarium  uarrabant.  Ex  quo  colligi  potest  et  Cor- 
vinum  ab  illis  et  Asiuium  audiri  potuisse ;  nam  Cor- 
vinus  in  medium  usque  Augusti  principatum,  Asinius 
paene  ad  extremum  duravit:  ne  dividatis  saeculum, 
et  antiques  ac  veteres  vocetis  oratores,  quos  eorundem 

15  hominum  aures  agnoscere  ac  velut  conjungere  et  copu- 
lare  potuerunt. 

18.  Haec  ideo  praedixi,  ut  si  qua  ex  honim  ora- 
torum  fama  gloriaque  laus  temporibus  adquiritur, 
eandem  docerem  in  medio  sitam  et  propiorem  nobis 

20  quam  Servio  Galbae  aut  Gaio  Carboni  quosque  alios 
merito  antiquos  vocaverimus  ;  sunt  enim  horridi  et 
impoliti  et  rudes  et  informes,  et  quos  utinam  nulla 
parte  imitatus  esset  Calvus  vester  aut  Caelius  aut  ipse 
Cicero.  Agere  enim  fortius  jam  et  audentius  volo, 

25  si  illud  ante  praedixero,  mutari  cum  temporibus 
formas  quoque  et  genera  dicendi.  Sic  Catoni  seni 
comparatus  C.  Gracchus  plenior  et  uberior,  sic  Grrac- 
cho  politior  et  ornatior  Crassus,  sic  utroque  distiuctior 


DE    ORATORIBUS.  105 

et  urbanior  et  altior  Cicero,  Cicerone  mitior  Corvinus 
et  dulcior  et  in  verbis  magis  elaboratus.  Nee  quaero 
quis  disertissimus :  hoc  interim  probasse  contentus 
sura,  non  esse  unum  eloquentiae  vultum,  sed  in  illis 
quoque  quos  vocatis  antiquos  plures  species  depre-  5 
hendi,  nee  statim  deterius  esse  quod  diversum  est,  vitio 
autem  malignitatis  humanae  vetera  semper  in  laude, 
praesentia  in  fastidio  esse.  Num  dubitamus  inventos 
qui  prae  Catone  Appium  Caecum  magis  mirarentur? 
Satis  constat  ne  Ciceroni  quidem  obtrectatores  defuisse,  10 
quibus  inflatus  et  tumens  nee  satis  pressus,  sed  supra 
modum  exsultans  et  superfluous  etparumAtticusvide- 
retur.  Legistis  utique  et  Calvi  et  Bruti  ad  Ciceronem 
missas  epistolas,  ex  quibus  facile  est  deprehendere 
Calvum  quidem  Ciceroni  visum  exsauguem  et  aridum ;  15 
Brutum  autem  otiosum  atque  dijunctum:  rursusque 
Ciceronem  a  Calvo  quidem  male  audisse  tamquam 
solutum  et  enervem,  a  Bruto  autem,  ut  ipsius  verbis 
utar,  tamquam  fractum  atque  elumbem.  Si  me  inter- 
rogas,  omnes  mihi  videntur  verum  dixisse :  sed  mox  20 
ad  singulos  veniam ;  nunc  mihi  cum  universis  nego- 
tium  est. 

19.  Nam  quatenus  antiquorum  admiratores  hunc 
velut  terminum  antiquitatis  constituere  solent,  usque 
ad  Cassium  Severum,  quern  primum  adfirmant  flexisse  25 
ab  ilia  vetere  atque  directa  dicendi  via,  non  infirmi 
tate  ingenii  nee  inscitia  litterarum  traustulisse  se  ad 
illud  dicendi  genus  contendo,  sed  judicio  et  intellectu. 


106  TACITI    DIALOGUS 

Vidit  namque,  ut  paulo  ante  dicebara,  cum  condicione 
temporum  et  diversitate  aurium  ibrmam  quoque  et 
speciem  orationis  esse  rautandam.  Facile  perferebat 
prior  ille  populus,  ut  imperitus  et  rudis,  impeditissi- 
5  marum  orationura  spatia,  atque  id  ipsum  laudabat,  si 
dicendo  quis  diem  eximeret.  Jam  vero  longa  priu- 
cipiorum  praeparatio  et  narrationis  alte  repetita  series 
et  multarum  divisionum  ostentatio  et  mille  argunien- 
torum  gradus,  et  quidquid  aliud  aridissimis  Hernui- 

10  gorae  et  Apollodori  libris  praecipitur,  in  honore  erat ; 
quod  si  quis  odoratus  philosophiam  videretur  et  ex 
ea  locum  aliquem  oratioui  suae  insereret,  in  caelum 
laudibus  ferebatur.  Nee  mirum ;  erant  enim  haec 
nova  et  incognita,  et  ipsorum  quoque  oratorum  pau- 

15  cissimi  praecepta  rhetorum  aut  philosophorum  placita 
cognoverant.  At  hercule  pervulgatis  jam  omnibus, 
cum  vix  in  cortina  quisquam  adsistat  quin  elementis 
studiorum,  etsi  non  instructus,  at  certe  imbutus  sit, 
novis  et  exquisitis  eloquentiae  itineribus  opus  est,  per 

20  quae  orator  fastidium  aurium  effugiat,  utique  apud 
eos  judices,  qui  vi  et  potestete,  non  jure  aut  legibus 
cognoscunt,  nee  accipiunt  tempora,  sed  constituunt, 
nee  exspectandum  habent  oratorem,  dum  illi  libeat 
de  ipso  negotio  dicere,  sed  saepe  ultro  admonent 

25  atque  alio  transgredientem  revocant  et  festinare  se 
testantur. 

20.  Quis  nunc  feret  oratorem  de  infirmitate  valotu- 
dinis  suae  praefantem?     Qualia  suut  fere  principia 


DE    ORATORIBUS.  107 

Corvini.     Quis  quinque  in  Verrem  libros  exspectabit  ? 
Quis  de  exceptione  et  formula  perpetietur  ilia  immensa 
volumina  quae  pro  M.  Tullio  et  Aulo  Caecina  legi-     ^ 
raus  ?    Praecurrit  hoc  tempore  judex  dieentem,  et  nisi 
aut  cursu  argumentorum  aut  colore  sententiarum  aut    5 
nitore  et  cultu  descriptionum  invitatus  et  corruptus 
est,  aversatur  dieentem.     Vulgus  quoque  adsistentium 
et  adflueus  et  vagus   auditor   adsuevit  jam   exigere 
laetitiam    et   pnlchritudinem    orationis ;     nee   magis 
perfert  in  judiciis  tristem  et  impexam  antiquitatem,  10 
quam  si  quis  in  scena  Roscii  aut  Turpionis  Ambivii 
exprimere  gestus  velit.     Jam  vero  juvenes  et  in  ipsa 
studiorum  incude  positi,  qui  profectus  sui  causa  ora- 
tores  sectantur,  non  solum  audire  sed  etiam  referre 
domum  aliquid  illustre  et  dignum  memoria  volunt ;  15 
traduntque  in  vicem  ac  saepe  in  colonias  et  provincias 
suas  scribunt,  sive  sensus  aliquis  arguta  et  brevi  sen- 
tentia  effulsit,  sive  locus  exquisite  et  poetico  cultu 
enituit.    Exigitur  enim  jam  ab  oratore  etiam  poeticus 
decor,  non  Accii  aut  Pacuvii  veterno  inquinatus,  sed  20 
ex  Horatii  et  Virgilii  et  Lucani  sacrario  prolatus. 
Horum  igitur  auribus  et  judiciis  obtemperans  nostro- 
rum  oratorum   aetas   pulchrior  et  ornatior  exstitit. 
Neque   ideo  jninus  efficaces  sunt  orationes  nostrae, 
quia  ad  aures  judicantium  cum  voluptate  perveniunt.  25 
Quid  enim,  si  infirmiora  horum  temporum   templa 
credas,  quia  non  rudi  caemento  et  informibus  tegulis 
exstruuntur,  sed  niarmore  nitent  et  auro  radiautur? 


108  TACIT!    DIALOGUS 

21.  Equidera  fateor  vobis  simpliciter  me  in  qui- 
busdam  antiquorura  vix  risum,  in  quibusdam  autem 
vix  soranum  tenere.  Nee  unum  de  populo,  non 
Canutii  aid  Arii  deformitatem  memorabo,  quique  alii 
5  in  eodem  valetudinario  haec  ossa  et  hauc  raaciem 
probant :  ipse  mihi  Calvus,  cum  unum  et  viginti,  ut 
puto,  libros  reliquerit,  vix  in  una  et  altera  oratiun- 
cula  satis  facit.  Nee  dissentire  ceteros  ab  hoc  meo 
judicio  video  :  quotus  enim  quisque  Calvi  in  Asitium 

10  aut  in  Drusum  legit?  At  hercule  in  omnium  studio- 
sorum  manibus  versantur  accusationes  quae  in  Va- 
tinium  inscribuntur,  ac  praecipue  secunda  ex  iis 
oratio ;  est  enim  verbis  ornata  et  sententiis,  auribus 
judicum  accommodata,  ut  scias  ipsum  quoque  Calvum 

15  intellexisse  quid  melius  esset,  nee  voluntatem  ei,  quo 
sublimius  et  cultius  diceret,  sed  iugenium  ac  vires 
defuisse.  Quid?  ex  Caelianis  orationibus  nempe  eae 
placent,  sive  universae  sive  partes  earum,  in  quibus 
nitorem  et  altitudinem  horum  temporum  agnoscimus. 

20  Sordes  autem  illae  verborum  et  hians  compositio  et 
inconditi  sensus  redolent  antiquitatem ;  nee  quem- 
quam  adeo  antiquarium  puto,  ut  Caelium  ex  ea  parte 
laudet  qua  antiquus  est.  Concedamus  sane  C.  Cae- 
sari,  ut  propter  magnitudinem  cogitationum  et  occu- 

25  pationes  rerum  minus  in  eloquentia  effecerit  quam 
divinum  ejus  ingenium  postulabat,  tarn  hercule  quam 
Brutum  philosophiae  suae  relinquamus :  nam  in  ora- 
tionibus minorem  esse  fama  sua  etiam  admiratores 


DE    OKATORIBUS.  109 

ejus  fatentur:  nisi  forte  quisquam  aut  Caesaris  pro 
Decio  Samnite  aut'Bruti  pro  Deiotaro  rege  ceterosque 
ejusdem  lentitudinis  ac  teporis  libros  legit,  nisi  qui  et 
carmina  eorundem  miratur.  Fecerunt  enim  et  car- 
mina  et  in  bibliothecas  rettulerunt,  non  rnelius  quam  5 
Cicero,  sed  felicius,  quia  illos  fecisse  pauciores  sciunt. 
Asinius  quoque,  quamquam  propioribus  temporibus 
natus  sit,  videtur  raihi  inter  Menenios  et  Appios  stu- 
duisse.  Pacuvium  certe  et  Accium  non  solum  tra- 
goediis  sed  etiam  qjationibus  suis  expressit:  adeo  durus  10 
et  siccus  est.  Oratio  autem,  sicut  corpus  hominis,  ea 
denium  pulchra  est,  in  qua  non  eminent  venae  nee 
ossa  numerantur,  sed  temperatus  ac  bonus  sanguis 
implet  membra  et  exsurgit  toris  ipsosque  nervos  rubor 
tegit  et  decor  commendat.  Nolo  Corviuum  insequi,  15 
quia  nee  per  ipsum  stetit  quo  minus  laetitiam  nitorem- 
que  nostrorum  temporum  exprimeret :  viderimus,  in 
quantum  judicio  ejus  vis  aut  animi  aut  ingenii  suffe- 
cerit. 

22.  Ad  Ciceronem  venio,  cui   eadem   pugna  cum  20 
aequalibus   suis   fuit  quae   mihi  vobiscum  est.     Illi 
enim   antiques   mirabantur,  ipse   suorum   temporum 
eloquentiam  anteponebat ;  nee  ulla  re  magis  oratores 
aetatis   ejusdem   praecurrit   quam   judicio.      Primus 
enim  excoluit  orationem,  primus  et  verbis  delectum  25 
adhibuit  et  composition!  artem,  locos  quoque  laetiores 
attentavit  et  quasdam  sententias  invenit,  utique  in  iis 
orationibus  quas  jam  senior  et  juxta  finem  vitae  com- 


110  TACITI  D'IALOGUS 

posuit,  id  est,  postquam  magis  profecerat  usuque  et 
experi mentis  didicerat  quod  optimum  diceudi  genus 
esset.  Nam  priores  ejus  orationes  nou  carent  vitiis 
antiquitatis :  leutus  est  in  principiis,  longus  in  narra- 
5  tiouibus,  otiosus  circa  excessus :  tarde  commovetur, 
raro  incalescit;  pauci  seusus  apte  et  cum  quodam 
lumine  terminantur.  Nihil  excerpere,  nihil  referre 
possis,  et  velut  in  rudi  aedificio,  firmus  sane  paries  et 
duraturus,  sed  uon  satis  expolitus  et  splendens.  Ego 

10  autem  oratorem,  sicut  locupletem  ac  lautuin  patrem 
familiae,  non  tantum  eo  volo  tecto  tegi  quod  imbrem 
ac  ventum  arceat,  sed  etiam  quod  visuni  et  oculos 
delectet;  non  ea  solum  instrui  supellectile  quae  neces- 
sariis  »usibus  sufficiat,  sed  sit  in  apparatu  ejus  et 

15  aurum  et  gemmae,  ut  sumere  in  manus  et  aspicere 
saepius  libeat.  Quaedam  vero  procul  arceantur  ut 
jam  obliterata  et  olentia :  nullum  sit  verbum  velut 
rubigine  infectum,  nulli  sensus  tarda  et  inerti  structura 
in  morem  annalium  componantur;  fugitet  foedam  et 

20  iusulsam  scurrilitatem,  variet  compositionem,  nee 
omnes  clausulas  uno  et  eodem  modo  determinet. 

23.  Nolo  irridere  "  rotam  Fortunae,"  et  "jus  Verri- 
num,"  et  illud  tertio  quoque  sensu  in  omnibus  ora- 
tionibus  pro  sententia  positum,  "  esse  videatur."  Nam 

25  et  haec  invitus  rettuli  et  plura  omisi,  quae  tamen  sola 
mirantur  atque  exprimunt  ii  qui  se  antiques  oratores 
vocant.  Nerninem  nominabo,  genus  homiiiiuu  signifi- 
casse  conteutus :  sed  vobis  utique  versautur  ante  oculos 


DE    ORATORIBUS.  Ill 

illi,  qui  Lucilium  pro  Horatio  et  Lucretium  pro  Vir- 
gilio  legunt,  quibus  eloquentia  Aufidi  Bassi  aut  Ser- 
vilii  Nouiani  ex  comparatione  Sisennae  aut  Varronis 
sordet,  qui  rhetorum  nostrorura  commentaries  fastidi- 
unt,  oderuut,  Calvi  mirantur.  Quos  more  prisco  apud  5 
judicem  fabulantes  non  auditores  sequuntur,  non  popu- 
lus  audit,  vix  denique  litigator  perpetitur :  adeo  maesti 
et  inculti  illam  ipsam,  quam  jactant,  sanitatem  non 
firmitate  sed  jejunio  consequuntur.  Porro  ne  in  cor- 
pore  quidem  valetudinem  medici  probant  quae  nimia  10 
anxietate  contingit ;  parum  est  aegrum  non  esse :  for- 
tem  et  laetum  et  alacrem  volo.  Prope  abest  ab  infir- 
mitate,  in  quo  sola  sanitas  laudatur.  Vos  vero,  diser- 
tissimi,  ut  potestis,  ut  facitis,  illustrate  saeculum 
nostrum  pulcherrimo  geuere  dicendi.  Nam  et  te,  15 
Messala,  video  laetissima  quaeque  antiquorum  imitan- 
tem,  et  vos,  Materne  ac  Secuude,  ita  gravitati  sensuum 
nitorem  et  cultum  verborum  miscetis,  ea  electio  in- 
ventionis,  is  ordo  rerum,  ea,  quotiens  causa  poscit, 
ubertas,  ea,  quotiens  permittit,  brevitas,  is  composi-  20 
tionis  decor,  ea  sententiarum  planitas  est,  sic  expri- 
mitis  adfectus,  sic  libertatem  temperatis,  ut  etiam  si 
nostra  judicia  malignitas  et  invidia  tardavert,  verum 
de  vobis  dicturi  sint  posteri  nostri.* 

24.  Quae  cum  Aper  dixisset,  '  Agnoscitisne,'  inquit  25 
Maternus,  'vim  et  ardorera  Apri  nostri?     Quo  tor- 
rente,  quo  impetu  saeculum  nostrum  defendit !    Quam 
copiose  ac  varie  vexavit  antiques !    Quauto  nou  solum 


112  TACITI    DfALOGUS 

ingenio  ac  spiritu,  sed  etiara  eruditione  et  arte  ab  ipsis 
mutuatus  est  per  quae  raox  ipsos  iucesseret !  Tuum 
tamen,  Messala,  promissum  immutasse  non  debet. 
Neque  euim  defeusorem  antiquorum  exigimus,  nee 
5  quemquam  nostrum,  quaniquaui  modo  laudati  surnus, 
iis  quos  insectatus  est  Aper  comparamus.  Ac  ne 
ipse  quidem  ita  sen  tit,  sed  more  veteri  et  a  vestris 
philosophis  saepe  celebrate  sumpsit  sibi  coutradicendi 
partes.  Igitur  exprome  nobis  non  laudationem  auti- 

10  quorum  (satis  enim  illos  fama  sua  laudat),  sed  causas 

cur  tautum  ab  eloqueutia  eorum  recesserimus,  cuui 

praesertim  centum  et  viginti  annos  ab  interitu  Cice- 

rouis  in  hunc  diem  effici  ratio  temporum  collegerit.' 

25.  Turn  Messala :  '  Sequar  praescriptam  a  te,  Ma- 

15  terne,  f'ormam  ;  neque  enim  diu  contradicendum  est 
Apro,  qui  primum,  ut  opinor,  nominis  coutroversiam 
movit,  tamquam  parum  proprie  antiqui  vocarentur 
quos  satis  constat  ante  centum  annos  fuisse.  Mihi 
autem  de  vocabulo  pugua  non  est ;  sive  illos  antiques 

20  sive  majores  sive  quo  alio  mavult  nomine  appellet, 
dum  modo  in  confesso  sit  emiuentiorem  illorum  tem- 
porum eloquentiam  fuisse.  Ne  illi  quidem  parti  ser- 
monis  ejus  repugno,  quo  minus  fatear  plures  formas 
dicendi  etiam  isdem  saeculis,  uedum  diversis  exstitisse. 

25  Sed  quo  modo  inter  Atticos  oratores  primae  Demos- 
theni  tribuuntur,  proximum  autem  locum  Aeschines 
et  Hyperides  et  Lysias  et  Lycurgus  obtinent,  omnium 
autem  concessu  haec  oratorum  aetas  maxime  pro- 


DE    ORATORIBUS.  113 

batur,  sic  apud  nos  Cicero  quidein  ceteros  eorimdem 
tetnporum  disertos  autecessit,  Calvus  autem  et  Asinius 
et  Caesar  et  Caelius  et  Brutus  suo  jure  et  prioribus  et 
sequentibus  anteponuntur.  Nee  refert  quod  inter  se 
specie  differunt,  cum  genere  consentiant.  Adstrictior  5 
Calvug,  numerosior  Asinius,  splendidior  Caesar,  ama- 
rior  Caelius,  gravior  Brutus,  vehementior  et  plenior 
et  valentior  Cicero :  omnes  tamen  eandem  sanitatem 
eloquentiae  ferunt,  ut  si  omnium  pariter  libros  in 
manum  sumpseris,  scias,  quamvis  in  diversis  iugeniis,  10 
esse  quandam  judicii  ac  voluntatis  similitudiuem  et 
cognationem.  Nam  quod  in  vicem  se  obtrectaverunt 
et  sunt  aliqua  epistolis  eorum  inserta  ex  quibus  mutua 
malignitas  detegitur,  lion  est  oratorum  vitium  sed  ho- 
minum.  Nam  et  Calvum  et  Asinium  et  ipsum  Cice-  15 
ronem  credo  solitos  et  invidere  et  livere  et  ceteris 
humanae  infirmitatis  vitiis  adfici:  solum  inter  hos 
arbitror  Brutum  non  malignitate  nee  invidia,  sed 
simpliciter  et  ingenue  judicium  animi  sui  detexisse. 
An  ille  Ciceroni  invideret,  qui  mihi  videtur  ne  Cae-  20 
sari  quidem  invidisse  ?  Quod  ad  Ser.  Galbam  et  C. 
Laelium  attinet,  et  si  quos  alios  antiquorum  agitare 
non  destitit,  non  exigit  defensorem,  cum  fatear  quae- 
dam  eloquentiae  eorum  ut  nascenti  adhuc  nee  satis 
adultae  defuisse.  25 

26.  Ceterurn  si  omisao  optimo  illo  et  perfectissimo 
genere  eloquentiae  eligenda  sit  forma  dicendi,  malim 

hercule  C.  Gracchi  impetum  aut  L.  Crassi  maturitatem 
8  — Tac.  K2 


114  TACITI    DIALOOUS 

quam  calamistros  Maecenatis  aut  tinnitus  Gallionis  : 
adeo  melius  est  oratoreiu  vel  hirta  toga  induere  quam 
fucatis  et  meretriciis  vestibus  insignire.  Neque  enim 
oratorius  iste,  iramo  hercule  ne  virilis  quidem  cultus 
5  est,  quo  plerique  temporum  nostrorum  oratores  ita 

,  utuntur,  ut  lascivia  verborum  et  levitate  sententiarum 
et  licentia  compositionis  histrionales  modos  expri- 
mant.  Quodque  vix  auditu  fas  esse  debeat,  laudis  et 
gloriae  et  ingenii  loco  plerique  jactaut  cantari  saltari- 

10  que  commentaries  suos.  Unde  oritur  ilia  foeda  et 
praepostera,  sed  tamen  frequens  quibusdam  excla- 
matio,  ut  oratores  nostri  tenere  dicere,  histriones 
diserte  saltare  dicantur.  Equidem  non  negaverim 
Cassium  Severum,  quem  solum  Aper  noster  nominare 

15  ausus  est,  si  iis  comparetur  qui  postea  fuerunt>  posse 
oratorem  vocari,  quamquam  in  magna  parte  librorum 
suorum  plus  vis  habeat  quam  sanguinis.  Primus 
enim  contempto  ordine  rerum,  omissa  modestia  ac 
pudore  verborum,  ipsis  etiam  quibus  utitur  armis  in- 

20  compositus  et  studio  feriendi  plerumque  dejectus,  non 
pugnat  sed  rixatur.  Ceterum,  ut  dixi,  sequentibus 
compara,tus  et  varietate  eruditionis  et  lepore  urbaui- 
tatis  et  ipsarum  virium  robore  multum  ceteros  superat, 
quorum  neminem  Aper  nominare  et  velut  in  aciern 

25  educere  sustinuit.  Ego  autem  exspectabam,  ut  incu. 
sato  Asinio  et  Caelio  et  Calvo  aliud  nobis  agmen  pro- 
duceret,  pluresque  vel  certe  totidem  nominaret,  ex 
quibus  alium  Ciceroni,  alium  Caesari,  singulis  deinde 


DE    ORATORIBUS.  115 

singulos  opponeremus.  Nunc  detrectasse  nominatim 
antiques  oratores  contentus  nemiuem  sequentium  lau- 
dare  ausus  est  nisi  in  publicum  et  in  commune,  veritus 
credo,  ue  multos  offenderet,  si  paucos  excerpsisset. 
Quotus  enim  quisque  scholasticorum  non  hac  sua  5 
persuasione  f'ruitur,  ut  se  ante  Ciceronem  numeret, 
sed  plane  post  Gabiuianum?  At  ego  nou  verebor 
uomiuare  singulos,  quo  facilius  propositis  exemplis 
appareat,  quibus  gradibus  fracta  sit  et  deminuta  elo- 
quentia.'  10 

-  27.  '  Appara  te/  inquit  Maternus, '  et  potius  exsolve 
promissum.  Neque  enim  hoc  colligi  desideramus, 
disertiores  esse  antiques,  quod  apud  me  quidem  in 
confesso  est,  sed  causas  exquirimus,  quas  te  solitum 
tractare  paulo  ante  dixisti,  plane  mitior  et  eloquentiae  15 
temporum  nostrorum  minus  iratus,  antequam  te  Aper 
offenderet  majores  tuos  lacessendo.' 

'  Non  sum/  inquit,  '  offeusus  Apri  ilia  disputatione ; 
nam  et  vos  offendi  dedecebit,  si  quid  forte  aures  vestras 
perstringat,  cum  sciatis  hanc  esse  ejus  modi  sermonum  20 
legem,  judicium  animi  citra  damnum  adfectus  pro- 
ferre.' 

'Perge,'  iuquit  Maternus,  'et  cum  de  autiquis 
loquaris,  utere  antiqua  libertate,  a  qua  vel  magis 
degeneravimus  quam  ab  eloquentia.'  25 

28.  Cui  Messala,  '  Non  reconditas,  Materne,  causas 
requiris,  nee  aut  tibi  ipsi  aut  huic  Secundo  vel  huic 
Apro  ignotas,  etiam  si  mini  partes  adsignatis  pro- 


116  TACITI    DIALOGUS 

ferendi  in  medium  quae  omnes  sentimus.  Quis  enim 
ignorat  et  eloquentiam  et  ceteras  artes  descivisse  ab 
ilia  vetere  gloria  non  inopia  homiuum,  sed  desidia 
juventutis  et  uegligeutia  parentum  et  iuscientia  prae- 
5  cipientium  et  oblivioiie  moris  antiqui  ?  Quae  mala 
primum  in  urbe  nata,  mox  per  Italiam  fusa,  jam  in 
provincias  manant.  Quamquam  vestra  vobis  notiora 
sunt :  ego  de  urbe  et  his  propriis  ac  vernaculis  vitiis 
loquar,  quae  natos  statim  excipiunt  et  per  singulos 

10  aetatis  gradus  cumulantur,  si  prius  de  severitate  ac 
disciplina  majorurn  circa  educandos  formandosque 
liberos  pauca  praedixero.  Nam  pridem  suus  cuique 
filius,  ex  casta  pareute  natus,  uou  in  cella  emptae 
nutricis  sed  gremio  ac  siuu  matris  educabatur,  cujus 

15  praecipua  laus  erat  tueri  dornum  et  inservire  liberis. 
Eligebatur  autem  major  aliqua  natu  propinqua,  cujus 
probatis  spectatisque  moribus  omnis  ejusdem  familiae 
suboles  committeretur ;  coram  qua  neque  dicere  fas 
erat  quod  turpe  dictu,  neque  facere  quod  inhonestum 

20  factu  videretur.  Ac  non  studia  modo  curasque,  sed 
remissiones  etiam  lususque  puerorum  sanctitate  qua- 
darn  ac  verecundia  temperabat.  Sic  Corneliam  Grac- 
chorum,  sic  Aureliam  Caesaris,  sic  Atiam  Augusti 
matrem  praefuisse  educationibus  ac  produxisse  priu- 

25  cipes  liberos  accepimus.  Quae  disciplina  ac  severitas 
eo  pertinebat,  ut  sincera  et  integra  et  nullis  pravitati- 
bus  detorta  unius  cujusque  natura  toto  statirn  pectore 
arriperet  artes  honestas,  et  sive  ad  rem  militarein  sive 


DE    ORATORIBUS.  117 

ad  juris  scientiam  sive  ad  eloquentiae  studium  incli- 
nasset,  id  solum  ageret,  id  uiiiversum  hauriret. 

29.  At  uuuc  natus  iufans  delegatur  Graeculae  alicui 
ancillae,  cui   adjuugitur  unus  aut  alter  ex  omnibus 
servis,  plerumque  vilissimus  nee  cuiquam  serio  mini-    5 
sterio   accommodatus.     Horum    fabulis   et  erroribus 
teneri  statim  et  rudes  auimi  imbuuntur ;  nee  quisquam 

in  tola  domo  pensi  habet  quid  coram  infante  domino 
aut  dicat  aut  faciat.  Quin  etiam  ipsi  parentes  nee 
probitati  neque  modestiae  parvulos  adsuefaciunt,  sed  10 
lasciviae  et  dicacitati,  per  quae  paulatim  impudentia 
irrepit  et  sui  alienique  coutemptus.  Jam  vero  propria 
et  peculiaria  hujus  urbis  vitia  paene  in  utero  matris 
concipi  mini  videntur,  histrionalis  favor  et  gladiatorum 
equorumque  studia :  quibus  occupatus  et  obsessus  ani-  15 
mus  quantulum  loci  bonis  artibus  relinquit?  Quotum 
quemque  invenies  qui  domi  quicquam  aliud  loquatur  ? 
Quos  alios  adolescentulorum  sermones  excipimus,  si 
quando  auditoria  intravimus  ?  Ne  praeceptores  qui- 
dem  ullas  crebriores  cum  auditoribus  suis  fabulas  20 
habent ;  colliguut  enim  discipulos  non  severitate  disci- 
plinae  nee  ingenii  experimento,  sed  ambitione  saluta- 
tionum  et  illecebris  adulationis. 

30.  Transeo  prima  discentium  elementa,  in  quibus 

et  ipsis  parum  laboratur,  nee  in  auctoribus  cognoscen-  25 
dis  nee  in  evolvenda  antiquitate  nee  in  notitia  vel 
rerum  vel  homiuum  vel  temporum  satis  operae  insu- 
mitur.    Sed  expetuntur  quos  rhetoras  vocant ;  quorum. 


118  TACITI    DIALOGUS 

professio  quando  primum  in  hanc  urbera  introducta 
sit  quaraque  nullam  apud  majores  uostros  auctoritatem 
habuerit,  statim  dicturus,  referam  necesse  est  auimum 
ad  earn  disciplinam,  qua  usos  esse  eos  oratores  acce- 
5  pimus,  quorum  infiuitus  labor  et  quotidiaua  meditatio 
et  in  omni  genere  studiorum  assiduae  exercitationes 
ipsorum  etiam  continentur  libris.  Notus  est  vobis 
utique  Ciceronis  liber  qui  Brutus  inscribitur,  in  cujus 
extrema  parte  (nam  prior  commeraorationem  veterum 

10  oratorum  habet)  sua  initia,  suos  gradus,  suae  eloquen- 
tiae  velut  quandam  educationem  refert :  se  apud  Q. 
Mucium  jus  civile  didicisse,  apud  Philonem  Acade- 
micum,  apud  Diodotum  Stoicum  omnes  philosophiae 
partes  penitus  hausisse ;  neque  iis  doctoribus  conteu- 

15  turn,  quorum  ei  copia  in  urbe  contigerat,  Achaiam 
quoque  et  Asiam    peragrasse,    ut    omnem   omnium  • 
artium   varietatem   complecteretur.     Itaque    hercule 
in  libris  Ciceronis  deprehendere  licet,  non  geometriae, 
non  musicae,  non  grammaticae,  non   denique  ullius 

20  artis  ingenuae  scientiam  ei  defuisse :  ille  dialecticae, 
subtilitatem,  ille  moralis  partis  utilitatem,  ille  rerum 
motus  causasque  cognoverat.  Ita  est  enim,  optimi 
viri,  ita :  ex  multa  eruditione  et  plurimis  artibus  et 
omnium  rerum  scientia  exundat  et  exuberat  ilia 

25  admirabilis  eloquentia :  neque  oratoris  vis  et  facultas, 
sicut  ceterarum  rerum,  angustis  et  brevibus  termiuis 
cluditur,  sed  is  est  orator,  qui  de  omni  quaestione 
pulchre  et  ornate  et  ad  persuadendum  apte  dicere 


DE    (7RATORIBUS.  119 

pro  dignitate  return,  ad  utilitatem    temporum,  cum 
voluptate  audientium  possit. 

31.  Hoc  sibi  illi  veteres  persuaserant,  ad  hoc  efficien- 
dum  intelligebaut  opus  esse,  non  ut  iu  rhetorum  scholis 
declamarent,  nee  ut  fictis  nee  ullo  modo  ad  veritatem  5 
accedentibus  controversiis  linguam  modo  et  vocem 
exercerent,  sed  ut  iis  artibus  pectus  implerent,  in  qui- 
bus  de  bonis  ac  mails,  de  honesto  et  turpi,  de  justo  et 
injusto  disputatur;  haec  enim  est  oratori  subjecta  ad 
dicendum  materia.  Nam  in  judiciis  fere  de  aequitate,  10 
in  deliberationibus  de  houestate  disserimus,  ita  ut  ple- 
rumque  haec  in  vicem  misceautur :  de  quibus  copiose 
et  varie  et  ornate  nemo  dicere  potest,  nisi  qui  cognovit 
naturam  humanam  et  vim  virtutum  pravitatemque 
vitiorum  et  intellectum  eorum  quae  nee  in  virtutibus  15 
nee  in  vitiis  numerantur.  Ex  his  fontibus  etiam  ilia 
profluunt,  ut  facilius  iram  judicis  vel  instiget  vel 
leniat,  qui  scit  quid  ira,  promptius  ad  miserationem 
impellat,  qui  scit  quid  sit  misericordia  et  quibus  animi 
motibus  concitetur.  In  his  artibus  exercitationibusque  20 
versatus  orator,  sive  apud  infestos  sive  apud  cupidos 
sive  apud  invidentes  sive  apud  tristes  sive  apud 
timentes  dicendum  habuerit,  tenebit  venas  animorum, 
et  prout  cujusque  natura  postulabit.  adhibebit  manum 
et  temperabit  orationem,  parato  omni  instrumento  et  25 
ad  omnem  usum  reposito.  Sunt  apud  quos  adstrictum 
et  collectum  et  singula  statim  argumenta  concludens 
dicendi  genus  plus  fidei  meretur:  apud  hos  dedisse 


120  TACITI    DIALOGUS 

operam  dialecticae  proficict.  Alios  fusa  et  aequalis 
et  ex  communibus  ducta  sensibus  oratio  magis  de- 
lectat :  ad  hos  permovendos  mutuabimur  a  Peripateti- 
cis  aptos  et  in  omnem  disputationem  paratos  jam 
5  locos.  Dabunt  Aeademici  pugnacitatem,  Plato  altitu- 
diuera,  Xenophon  jucuuditatem :  ne  Epicuri  quidem 
et  Metrodori  honestas  quasdam  exclamationes  adsu- 
mere  iisque  prout  res  poscit  uti  alienum  erit  oratori. 
Neque  enim  sapientem  informarnus  neque  Stoicorum 

10  artera,  sed  eum  qui  quasdam  artes  haurire,  omnes 
libare  debet.  Ideoque  et  juris  scientiara  veteres  ora- 
tores  coinprehendebant,  et  grammaticae,  musicae  et 
geometriae  imbuebantur.  Incidunt  enira  causae, 
plurimae  quidem  ac  paeue  omnes,  quibus  juris  notitia 

15  desideratur,  pleraeque  autem  in  quibus  haec  quoque' 
scientia  requiritur. 

32.  Nee  quisquam  respondeat  sufficere  ut  ad  tempus 
simplex  quiddam  et  uniforme  doceamur.  Primum 
enim  aliter  utimur  propriis,  aliter  comniodatis,  longe- 

20  que  interesse  manifestum  est,  possideat  quis  quae  pro- 
fert  an  mutuetur.  Deinde  ipsa  multarum  artium 
scientia  etiam  aliud  agentes  nos  ornat,  atque  ubi 
minime  credas,  eminet  et  excellit.  Idque  non  doctus 
inodo  et  prudens  auditor  sed  etiam  populus  intelligit 

25  ac  statim  ita  laude  prosequitur,  ut  legitime  studuisse, 
ut  per  omnes  eloquentiae  numeros  isse,  ut  denique 
oratorem  esse  fateatur ;  quern  non  posse  aliter  exsistere 
nee  exstitisse  umquam  confirmo,  nisi  eum,  qui  tarn- 


DE    OEATORIBUS.  121 

quam  in  aciem  omnibus  armis  instructus,  sic  in  forum 
omnibus  artibus  armatus  exierit.  Quod  adeo  negli- 
gitur  ab  borum  temporum  disertis,  ut  in  actionibus 
eorum  hujus  quoque  quotidiani  sermonis  foeda  ac 
pudenda  vitia  deprebendautur ;  ut  iguorent  leges,  non  5 
teueant  senatus  consulta,  jus  civitatis  ultro  derideant, 
sapientiae  vero  studium  et  praecepta  prudeutium 
penitus  reformident,  in  paucissiraos  seusus  et  augustas 
seutentias  detrudant  eloqueutiam  velut  expulsain 
regno  suo,  ut  quae  olim  omnium  artium  domina  10 
pulcherrimo  comitatu  pectora  implebat,  nunc  circum- 
cisa  et  amputala,  sine  apparatu,  sine  honore,  paeue 
dixerim  sine  ingenuitate,  quasi  una  ex  sordidissimis 
artiticiis  discatur.  Ergo  bane  primain  et  praecipuam 
causam  arbitror,  cur  in  tantum  ab  eloquentia  antique-  15 
rum  oratorurn  recesserimus.  Si  testes  desiderantur, 
quos  potiores  uomiuabo  quam  apud  Graecos  Demos- 
tbenem,  quern  studiosissimum  Platouis  auditorem 
fuisse  memoriae  proditum  est?  Et  Cicero  bis,  ut 
opinor,  verbis  refert,  quidquid  in  eloquentia  effecerit,  20 
id  se  non  rhetorum  officinis,  sed  Academiae  spatiis 
consecutum.  Sunt  aliae  causae,  magnae  et  graves, 
quas  a  vobis  aperiri  aequum  est,  quoniam  quidem  ego 
jam  meum  munus  explevi,  et  quod  mihi  in  consuetu- 
dine  est,  satis  multos  offendi,  quos,  si  forte  haec  audi-  25 
verint,  certum  babeo  dicturos  me,  dum  juris  et  pbilo- 
sopbiae  scientiam  tamquam  oratori  necessariam  laudo, 

ineptiis  meis  plausisse.' 

L 


122  TA.CITI    DIALOGUS 

33.  Et  Maternus, '  Mihi  quidem,'  iuquit  '  susceptum 
a  te  munus  adeo  peregisse  nondum  videris,  ut  iii- 
choasse  tantum  et  velut  vestigia  ac  lineameuta  quae- 
dam  ostendisse  videaris.  Nam  quibus  artibus  instrui 
5  veteres  oratores  soliti  sint  dixisti,  diflerentiarnque 
nostrae  desidiae  et  iuscientiae  adversus  acerrima  et 
fecuudissima  eorum  studia  demonstrasti :  cetera  ex- 
specto,  ut  quern  ad  modum  ex  te  didici,  quid  aut  illi 
scirint  aut  iios  nesciamus,  ita  hoc  quoque  cognoscam, 

10  quibus  exercitationibus  juvenes  jam  et  forum  ingres- 
suri  coufirmare  et  alere  iugeuia  sua  soliti  sint.  Neque 
enim  tantum  arte  et  scientia  sed  longe  magis  facultate 
et  usu  eloqueutiam  contineri,  nee  tu  puto  abnues  et  hi 
significare  vultu  videntur.' 

15  Deiude  cum  Aper  quoque  et  Secundus  idem  adnu- 
'issent,  Messala  quasi  rursus  iucipiens :  '  Quoniam 
iuitia  et  semina  veteris  eloquentiae  satis  demonstrasse 
videor,  docendo  quibus  artibus  antiqui  oratores  iu- 
stitui  erudirique  soliti  sint,  persequar  mine  exerci- 

20  tationes  eorum.  Quamquam  ipsis  artibus  inest  exer- 
citatio,  nee  quisquam  percipere  tot  tarn  reconditas 
tamque  varias  res  potest,  nisi  ut  scientiae  meditatio 
meditationi  facultas,  facultati  usus  eloquentiae  acce- 
dat.  Per  quae  colligitur  eandem  esse  rationem  et 

25  percipiendi  quae  proferas  et  proferendi  quae  perce- 
peris.  Sed  si  cui  obscuriora  haec  videntur  isque 
scientiam  ab  exercitatione  separat,  illud  certe  concedet, 
instructum  et  plenum  his  artibus  aniinum  longe  para- 


DE  jORATORIBUS.  123 

tiorem  ad  eas  exercitationes  venturum,  quae  propriae 
esse  oratorum  videntur. 

34.  Ergo  apud  majores  nostros  juvenis  ille  qui  foro 
et  eloquentiae  parabatur,  imbutus  jam  domestica  disci- 
plina,  refertus  honestis  studiis  deducebatur  a  patre  vel  5 
a  propinquis  ad  eum  oratorem,  qui  principem  in  civi- 
tate  locura  obtinebat.  Huiic  sectari,  hunc  prosequi, 
hujus  omnibus  dictiouibus  interesse  give  in  judiciis 
sive  in  contionibus  adsuescebat,  ita  ut  altercationes 
quoque  exciperet  et  jurgiis  interesset  utque  sic  dixerim,  10 
pugnare  in  proelio  disceret.  Magnus  ex  hoc  usus 
multumque  coustantiae,  plurimum  judicii  juvenibus 
statim  contingebat,  in  media  luce  studentibus  atque 
inter  ipsa  discrimina,  ubi  nemo  impune  stulte  aliquid 
aut  contrarie  dicit,  quo  minus  et  judex  respuat  et  15 
adversarius  exprobret,  ipsi  denique  advocati  aspernen- 
tur.  Igitur  vera  statim  et  incorrupta  eloquentia  im- 
buebantur;  et  quamquam  unum  sequerentur,  tamen 
omnes  ejusdem  aetatis  patronos  in  plurimis  et  causis 
et  judiciis  cognoscebant ;  habebantque  ipsius  populi  20 
diversissimarum  aurium  copiam,  ex  qua  facile  depre- 
henderent  quid  in  quoque  vel  probaretur  vel  displice- 
ret.  Ita  nee  praeceptor  deerat,  optimus  quidem  et 
electissimus,  qui  faciem  eloquentiae,  non  imaginem 
praestaret,  nee  adversarii  et  aemuli  ferro,  non  rudibus  25 
dimicantes,  sed  auditorium  semper  plenum,  semper 
novum  ex  invidis  et  faventibus,  ut  nee  bene  nee  male 
dicta  dissimulareutur.  Scitis  enim  maguam  illam  et 


124  TACITI    DIALOGUS 

duraturam  eloquentiae  faraam  non  minus  in  diversis 
subselliis  parari  quam  suis ;  inde  quin  immo  constan- 
tius  surgere,  ibi  fidelius  corroborari.  Atque  hercule 
sub  ejus  modi  praeceptoribus  juvenis  ille  de  quo 
5  loquimur,  oratorum  discipulus,  fori  auditor,  sectator 
judieiorum,  eruditus  et  adsuefactus  alienis  experi- 
mentis,  cui  quotidie  audienti  notae  leges,  non  novi 
judicum  vultus,  frequens  in  oculis  consuetude  cou- 
tionum,  saepe  cognitae  populi  aures,  sive  accusatio- 

10  nem  susceperat  sive  defensionem,  solus  statim  et  unus 
cuicumque  causae  par  erat.  Nono  decimo  aetatis 
anno  L.  Crassus  C.  Carbonem,  uno  et  vicesimo  Caesar 
Dolabellam,  altero  ct  vicesimo  Asinius  Pollio  C.  Ca- 
tonem,  non  multum  aetate  antecedens  Calvus  Va- 

15  tinium  iis  orationibus  insecuti  sunt,  quas  hodie  quoque 
cum  admiratione  legimus. 

35.  At  nunc  adolescentuli  nostri  deducuntur  in 
scenam  scholasticorum,  qui  rhetores  vocantur,  quos 
paulo  ante  Cicerouis  tempora  exstitisse  nee  placuisse 

20  majoribus  nostris  ex  eo  manifestum  est,  quod  Crasso 
et  Domitio  censoribus  cludere,  ut  ait  Cicero,  ludum 
impudentiae  jussi  sunt.  Sed  ut  dicere  institueram, 
deducuntur  in  scholas,  in  quibus  non  facile  dixerim 
utrumne  locus  ipse  an  condiscipuli  an  genus  studio- 

25  rum  plus  mali  ingeniis  adferaut.  Nam  in  loco  nihil 
reverentiae  est,  in  quern  nemo  nisi  aeque  imperitus 
intrat;  in  condiscipulis  nihil  profectus,  cum  pueri 
inter  pueros  et  adolescentuli  inter  adolescentulos  pari 


DB.  ORATORIBUS.  125 

securitate  et  dicant  et  audiantur ;  ipsae  veto  exercita- 
tiones  magna  ex  parte  contrariae.  Nempe  enim  duo 
genera  materiarum  apud  rhetoras  tractantur,  suasoriae 
et  controversiae.  Ex  his  suasoriae  quidem,  tamquain 
plane  leviores  et  minus  prudentiae  exigentes,  pueris  5 
delegantur ;  controversiae  robustioribus  adsignantur, 
quales,  per  fidem,  et  quam  incredibiliter  compositae ! 
Sequitur  autein  ut  materiae  abhorrent!  a  veritate  de- 
claraatio  quoque  adhibeatur.  Sic  fit  ut  tyrannicida- 
rum  praemia  aut  vitiatarum  electiones  aut  pestileutiae  10 
remedia  aut  innesta  matrum  aut  quidquid  in  schola 
quotidie  agitur,  in  foro  vel  raro  vel  nuinquam,  ingenti- 
bus  verbis  persequautur ;  cum  ad  veros  judices  veutum 
est,  juvenes,  puerilibus  institutis  sine  ulla  privati  pub/ici- 
que  juris  experientia  per  plures  annos  innutriti,  nihil  15 
adferunt  quod  fori  dignitatem  deceat,  aut  clientium  alat 
utilitates ;  at  vitia,  quae  umbratici  doctores  iis  infudere, 
irreverenter  et  temere  explicant. 

36.    Unus  Demosthenes  solaque  sua  eloquentia  arma- 
tus,  adversus  domestieos  externosque  hostes  stat  interritus;  20 
patriam  a  veterno  revocat  et  novo  libertatis  amore  sue- 
cendit ;  Philippum  eludit,  artes  ejus  retegit,  ei  conflat 
odia.      Quantis  opus  fuit  eloquentiae  fulgoribus,  ut  ani- 
mos  perstringeret !     Quanta  orationis  m,  ut  parata  tot 
machinamenta  subverteret  !     Quot  illi  subewida  peri-  25 
cula  J     At  iis  valescebat  discriminibus ;  patriae  caritate, 
servitii  odio,  libertatis  aestu  instinctw,  certaque  immor- 
talitati#  spe,  quam  jam  praesenti^cebat,  animatus,  nihil 

L2 


126  TACITI    DIALOGUS 

valebat  nisi  excelsum,  nisi  sublime,  sine  ullo  privatae 
utilitatis  studio,  ob  patriam  tantum  et  publicam  rem 
cogitare;  iiihil  humile  vel  abjectum  eloqui  poterat. 
Magua  eloquentia,  sicut  flamma,  materia  alitur  et 
5  motibus  excitatur  et  urendo  clarescit.  Eadem  ratio 
in  nostra  quoque  civitate  antiquorura  eloqueutiam 
provexit.  Nam  etsi  horum  quoque  temporum  ora- 
tores  ea  consecuti  sunt,  quae  composita  et  quieta  et 
beata  re  publica  tribui  fas  erat,  tamen  ilia  perturba- 

10  tione  ac  liceutia  plura  sibi  adsequi  videbafitur,  cum 
mixtis  omnibus  et  moderatore  uno  carentibus  tautum 
quisque  orator  saperet  quantum  errauti  populo  per- 
suaderi  poterat.  Hinc  leges  assiduae  et  populare 
nomen,  hinc  contiones  magistratuum  paene  pernoc- 

15  tautium  in  rostris,  hiuc  accusationes  potentium  reorum 
et  adsignatae  etiam  domibus  inimicitiae,  hinc  pro- 
cerum  factiones  et  assidua  senatus  adversus  plebem 
certamina.  Quae  singula  etsi  distrahebant  rem 
publicam,  exercebant  tamen  illorum  temporum  elo- 

20  quentiam  et  magnis  cumulare  praemiis  videbantur, 
quia  quanto  quisque  plus  dicendo  poterat,  tanto 
facilius  honores  adsequebatur,  tanto  magis  in  ipsis 
honoribus  collegas  suos  anteibat,  tanto  plus  apud 
principes  gratiae,  plus  auctoritatis  apud  patres,  plus 

25  notitiae  ac  nominis  apud  plebem  parabat.  Hi  clien- 
telis  etiam  exterarum  nationum  redundabant,  hos 
ituri  in  provincias  magistratus  reverebautur,  hos 
reversi  colebant,  hos  et  praeturae  et  consulates  vocare 


DE    ORATORIBUS.  127 

ultro  videbantur,  hi  ne  privati  quidem  sine  potestate 
erant,  cum  et  populum  et  senatum  consilio  et  auctori- 
tate  regerent.  Quin  immo  sibi  persuaseraut  neminem 
sine  eloqu^ntia  aut  adsequi  posse  in  civitate  aut  tueri 
conspicuura  et  emiuentem  locum.  Nee  mirum,  cum  5 
ctiam  inviti  ad  populum  producerentur,  cum  parum 
esset  in  senatu  breviter  censere,  nisi  qui  ingenio  et 
eloquentia  senteutiam  suam  tuerentur,  cum  in  aliquam 
invidiam  aut  crimen  vocati  sua  voce  respondendum 
htiberent,  cum  testimonia  quoque  in  judiciis  publicis  10 
non  absentee  nee  per  tabellam  dare,  sed  coram  et  prae- 
sentes  dicere  cogerentur.  Ita  ad  summa  eloquentiae 
praemia  magna  etiam  necessitas  accedebat,  et  quo 
modo  disertum  haberi  pulchrum  et  gloriosum,  sic 
contra  muturn  et  elinguem  videri  deforme  habebatur.  15 

37.  Ergo  non  minus  rubore  quam  praemiis  stimula- 
bantur,  ne  clieutulorum  loco  potius  quam  patronorum 
numerareutur,  ne  traditae  a  majoribus  necessitudines 
ad  alios  trausirent,  ne  tamquam  inertes  et  non  suffec- 
turi  honoribus  aut  non  impetrarent  aut  impetratos  20 
male  tuerentur.  Nescio  an  veneriut  in  marius  vestras 
haec  vetera,  quae  et  in  antiquariorum  bibliothecis 
adhuc  maneut  et  cum  maxime  a  Muciano  contrahun- 
tur,  ac  jam  undecim,  ut  opinor,  Actorum  libris  et 
tribus  Epistolarum  composita  et  edita  sunt.  Ex  his  25 
intelligi  potest  Cn.  Pompeium  et  M.  Crassum  non 
viribus  modo  et  armis  sed  iugenio  quoque  et  oratione 
valuisse ;  Lentulos  et  Metellos  et  Lucullos  et  Curiones 


128  TACITI    DIAI.OGUS 

et  ceteram  procerum  raanum  multuin  in  his  studiis 
operae  curaeque  posuisse,  nee  queraquam  illis  tempori- 
bus  magnam  potentiam  sine  aliqua  eloquentia  conse- 
cutum.  His  accedebat  splendor  reorum  et  magnitude 
5  causarum,  quae  et  ipsa  pluriraum  eloquentiae  prae- 
stant.  Nam  multum  interest,  utrumne  de  furto  aut 
formula  et  interdicto  dicendum  habeas,  an  de  arabitu 
comitiorum,  expilatis  sociis  et*  civibus  trucidatis. 
Quae  mala  sicut  non  accidere  melius  est  isque  opti- 

10  mus  civitatis  status  habendus  est,  in  quo  nihil  tale 
patimur,  ita  cum  acciderent,  ingentem  eloquentiae 
materiam  subministrabaut.  Crescit  enim  cum  ampli- 
tudine  rerum  vis  ingenii,  nee  quisquam  claram  et 
illustrem  orationem  efficere  potest  nisi  qui  causam 

15  parem  invenit.  Non,  opinor,  Demosthenem  orationes 
illustrant  quas  adversus  tutores  suos  composuit,  nee 
Ciceronem  magnum  oratorem  P.  Quinctius  defensus 
aut  Licinius  Archias  faciunt :  Catilina  et  Milo  et 
Verres  et  Antonius  hanc  illi  famam  circumdederunt : 

20  non  quia  tanti  fuit  rei  publicae  malos  ferre  cives,  ut 
uberem  ad  dicendum  materiam  oratores  haberent, 
sed,  ut  subinde  admoneo,  quaestionis  meminerimus 
sciamusque  nos  de  ea  re  loqui,  quae  facilius  turbidis 
et  inquietis  temporibus  exsistit.  Quis  ignorat  utilius 

25  ac  melius  esse  frui  pace  quam  bello  vexari  ?  Plures 
tamen  bonos  proeliatores  bella  quam  pax  ferunt. 
Similis  eloquentiae  condicio.  Nam  quo  saepius 
steterit  tamquam  in  acie  quoque  plures  et  intulerit 


DE    QRATORIBUS.  129 

ictus  et  exceperit  quoque  majores  adversaries  acrio- 
resque  pugnas  sibi  ipsa  desumpserit,  tanto  altior  et 
excelsior  et  illis  nobilitata  discriminibus  in  ore  homi- 
num  agit,  quorum  ea  natura  est,  ut  secura  velint. 

38.  Transeo  ad  formarn  et  consuetudinem  veterum    5 
judiciorum,  quae  etsi  nunc  aptior  existimatur,  elo- 
quentiam  tamen  illud  forum  magis  exercebat,  in  quo 
nemo  intra  paucissimas  horas  perorare  cogebatur  et 
liberae  comperendinationes  erant  et  modum  dicendi 
sibi  quisque  sumebat  et  numerus  neque  dierum  neque  10 
patronorum  finiebatur.     Primus  haec  tertio  consulatu 
Cn.  Pompeius   adstrinxit  imposuitque  veluti  frenos 
eloquentiae,  ita  tamen  ut  omnia  in  foro,  omnia  legi- 
bus,  omnia   apud   praetores   gererentur;  apud  quos 
quanto  majora  negotia  olim  exerceri  solita  sint,  quod  15 
majus  argumeutum  est  quam  quod  causae  eentumvi- 
rales,  quae  nunc  primum  obtinent  locum,  adeo  splen- 
dore  aliorum  judiciorum  obruebantur,  ut  neque  Ciee- 
ronis  neque  Caesaris  neque  Bruti  neque  Caelii  neque 
Calvi,  non  denique  ullius  magni  oratoris  liber  apud  20 
centumviros  dictus  legatur,  exceptis  orationibus  Asinii 
quae  pro  heredibus  Urbiniae  inscribuntur,  ab  ipso 
tamen  Pollione  mediis  divi  Augusti  temporibus  babi- 
tae,  postquam   longa  temporum  quies  et  continuum 
populi   otium    et    Sssidua    senatus    tranquillitas   et  25 
maxime  principis  disciplina  ipsam  quoque  eloquen- 
tiam  sicut  omnia  pacaverat? 

39.  Parvum  et  ridiculum  fortasse  videbitur  quod 
9  —  Tac. 


130  TACITI     DIALOGUS 

dicturus  sum,  dicam  tamen,  vel  ideo  ut  ridear.  Quan- 
tum humilitatis  putamus  eloquentiae  attulisse  paenulas 
istas,  quibus  adstricti  et  velut  inclusi  cum  judicibus 
fabulamur  ?  Quantum  virium  detraxisse  oratioui 
5  auditoria  et  tabularia  credimus,  in  quibus  jam  fere 
plurimae  causae  explicantur?  Nam  quo  modo  no- 
biles  equos  cursus  et  spatia  probant,  sic  est  aliquis 
oratorum  campus,  per  quern  nisi  liberi  et  soluti  feraii- 
tur,  debilitatur  ac  frangitur  eloquentia.  Ipsam  quin 

10  immo  curam  et  diligeutis  stili  anxietatem  contrariam 
experimur,  quia  saepe  interrogat  judex,  quando  in- 
cipias,  et  ex  interrogatione  ejus  incipiendum  est. 
Frequenter  probationibus  et  testibus  silentium  patro- 
nus  indicit.  Unus  inter  haec  dicenti  aut  alter  adsistit, 

15  et  res  velut  in  solitudine  agitur.  Oratori  autem  cla- 
more  plausuque  opus  est  et  velut  quodam  theatro ; 
qualia  quotidie  antiquis  oratoribus  contingebant,  cum 
tot  pariter  ac  tarn  nobiles  forum  coartarent,  cum  clien- 
telae  quoque  ac  tribus  ac  municipiorum  etiam  lega- 

20  tiones  ac  pars  Italiae  periclitantibus  adsisteret,  cum 
in  plerisque  judiciis  crederet  populus  Romanus  sua 
interesse  quid  judicaretur.  Satis  constat  C.  Cornelium 
et  M.  Scaurum  et  T.  Milonem  et  L.  Bestiam  et  P. 
Vatinium  concursu  totius  civitatis  et  accusatos  et  de- 

25  fensos,  ut  frigidissimos  quoque  ofatores  ipsa  certantis 
populi  studia  excitare  et  incendere  potuerint.  Itaque 
hercule  ejus  modi  libri  exstant,  ut  ipsi  quoque  qui 
egerunt  uon  aliis  magis  oratiouibus  censeautur. 


DE    ORATORIBUS.  131 

40.  Jam   vero   contiones    assiduae  et  datum   jus 
potentissimum  quemque  vexandi  atque  ipsa  inimicitia- 
rum  gloria,  cum  se  plurimi  disertorum  ne  a  Public 
quidem  Scipione  aut  Sulla  aut  Cn.  Pompeio  abstine- 
rent,  et  ad  incessendos  principes  viros,  ut  est  natura    5 
iuvidiae,  populi  quoque  ut  histrioues  plausibus  ute- 
rentur,  quantum   ardorem  ingeniis,  quas   oratoribus 
faces  admovebant !     Non  de  otiosa  et  quieta  re  loqui- 
mur  et  quae  probitate  et  modestia  gaudeat,  sed  est 
magna  ilia  et  notabilis  eloquentia  alumna  licentiae,  10 
quam  stulti  libertatem  vocabant,  comes  seditionum, 
effrenati   populi    iucitamentum,   sine   obsequio,   sine 
servitute,   contumax,   temeraria,    arrogans,   quae   in 
bene  constitutis  civitatibus  non  oritur.     Quern  enim 
oratorem  Lacedaemonium,  quern  Cretensem  accepi-  15 
mus?     Quarum  civitatum  severissima  disciplina  et 
severissimae  leges  traduntur.     Ne  Macedonum  qui- 
dem ac  Persarum  aut  ullius  gentis,  quae  certo  im- 
perio  conteuta  fuerit,  eloquentiam  novimus.     Rhodii 
quidam,   plurimi   Athenienses   oratores    exstiterunt,  20 
apud  quos  omnia  populus,  omnia  imperiti,  omnia,  ut 
sic  dixerim,  omnes  poterant.     Nostra  quoque  civitas, 
donee  erravit,  donee  se  partibus  et  dissensionibus  et 
discordiis  confecit,  donee  nulla  fuit  in  foro  pax,  nulla 
in  senatu  concordia,~nulla  in  judiciis  moderatio,  nulla  25 
superiorum  reverentia,  nullus  magistratuum  modus, 
tulit  sine  dubio  valentiorem  eloquentiam,  sicut  indo- 
mitus  ager  habet  quasdam  herbas  laetiores.     Sed  nee 


132  TACITI    DIALOGUS 

tanti  rei  publicae  Gracchorum  eloquentia  fuit,  ut 
pateretur  et  leges,  nee  bene  famam  eloquentiae  Cicero 
tali  exitu  pensavit. 

41.  Sic  quoque  quod  superest  antiqui  oratoribus 
5  fori  non  emendatae  nee  usque  ad  votum  compositae 
civitatis  argumentmn  est.  Quis  enim  nos  advocat 
nisi  aut  nocens  aut  miser?  Quod  municipium  in 
clientelam  nostram  venit  nisi  quod  aut  vicinus  popu- 
lus  aut  domestica  discordia  agitat?  Quam  provin- 

10  ciam  tuemur  nisi  spoliatara  vexatamque?  Atqui 
melius  fuisset  non  queri  quara  vindicari.  Quod  si 
inveniretur  aliqua  civitas  in  qua  nemo  peccaret, 
supervacuus  esset  inter  innoceutes  orator  sicut  inter 
sanos  medicus.  Quo  modo  enim  minimum  usus  mini- 

15  mumque  profectus  ars  medentis  habet  in  iis  gentibus, 
quae  firmissima  valetudine  ac  saluberrimis  corporibus 
utuntur,  sic  minor  oratorum  obscuriorque  gloria  est 
inter  bonos  mores  et  in  obsequium  regentis  paratos. 
Quid  enim  opus  est  longis  in  senatu  sententiis,  cum 

20  optimi  cito  consentiant?  Quid  multis  apud  populum 
contionibus,  cum  de  re  publica  non  imperiti  et  multi 
deliberent,  sed  sapientissimus  et  unus?  Quid  volun- 
tariis  accusationibus,  cum  tarn  raro  et  tarn  parce 
peccetur?  Quid  invidiosis  et  excedentibus  modum 

25  defensionibus,  cum  dementia  cognoscentis  obviam 
periclitantibus  eat?  Credite,  optimi  et  in  quantum 
opus  est  disertissimi  viri,  si  aut  vos  prioribus  saeculis 
aut  illi  quos  miramur  his  nati  essent,  ac  deus  aliquis 


DE    ORATORIBUS.  133 

vitas  ac  tempora  vestra  repente  mutasset,  nee  vobis 
summa  ilia  laus  et  gloria  in  eloquentia  neque  illis 
modus  et  temperameutum  defuisset :  nunc,  quoniam 
nemo  eodem  tempore  adsequi  potest  maguam  fauiam 
et  magnam  quietera,  bono  saeculi  sui  quisque  citra  5 
obtrectationem  alterius  utatur.' 

42.  Finierat  Maternus,  cum  Messala :  '  Erant  qui- 
bus  contradicerem,  erant  de  quibus  plura  dici  vellem, 
nisi  jam  dies  esset  exactus.'  '  Fiet,'  inquit  Maternus, 
'  postea  arbitratu  tuo,  et  si  qua  tibi  obscura  in  hoc  10 
meo  sermone  visa  sunt,  de  iis  rursus  conferemus.'  Ac 
simul  adsurgens  et  Aprum  complexus,  '  Ego,'  inquit, 
'te  poetis,  Messala  antiquariis  criminabimur.'  'At 
ego  vos  rhetoribus  et  scholasticis,'  inquit. 

Cum  arrisissent,  discessimus.  15 


M 


NOTES 


TO  THE 


GERMANIA,  AGRICOLA,  AND  DIALOGUS  DE  ORATORIBUS. 


135 


BEPEBENOES  AND  ABBEEVIATIONS, 


A.  U.  C.,  t»  the  year  of  the  city. 

B.  C.,  before  Christ. 

Cf.  (confer)  =  compare. 
e.   g.    (exempli   gratia)  =for  ex- 
ample. 

etc.  (et  cetera)  =  and  to  forth. 
i.  e.  (id  est)  =  that  it. 
in  fin.  (in  fine)  =  at  the  end. 
lit.  =  literally. 
MS.  =  manuscript. 
MSS.  =  manuscript*. 
p.  (pagina)  =page. 
pp.  (paginae)  —page». 
so.  (scilicet)  =  understand,  supply. 


Editors  and  Commentators. 

C Church  and  Brodribb. 

D Draeger. 

He Haase. 

Hm Halm. 

K Kritz. 

M Miillenho/. 

P Pabat. 

Ri  Bitter. 

R Ruperti. 

S Smith. 

T 7>fer. 

V.. Valpy. 

W Wex. 


Grammars. 

A Allen  *a»d  Greenottgh'f. 

A.  &  S ^4»rfr«c*  and  StoddartP*. 

B Bullion*  and  Morrit't. 

G Gildersleeve'*. 

H Ilrirknem's. 

M Jl/advia't. 

Z Zum>('«. 


Crombie,  —  Crombie's  Gymnasium  sive  Symbola  Critica. 

Diet.  Antiqq.,  —  Smith's  Dictionary  of  Greek  and  Roman  Antiquities. 

Diet.  Biog.,  —  Smith's  Dictionary  of  Greek  amd  Roman  Biography  and 

Mythology. 

Diet.  Geog.,  —  Smith's  Dictionary  of  Greek  and  Roman  Geography. 
Hill, —  Hill's  Synonyms  of  the  Latin  Language. 
Lex.,  —  Attdrem'*  Freuud't  Latin  Lexicon. 

136 


NOTES 


GERMANIA. 


INTRODUCTION. 

THE  information  contained  in  the  treatise  on  the  geography,  man- 
ners, and  nations  of  Germany,  is  exactly  of  that  character  which 
might  be  expected,  considering  the  sources  from  which  it  was  derived. 
Tacitus  was  never  in  Germany,  and  therefore  his  knowledge  was  col- 
lected from  those  who  had  visited  it  for  the  purposes  either  of  war  or 
commerce.  Hence  his  geographical  descriptions  are  often  vague  and 
inaccurate;  a  mixture  of  the  marvellous  shows  that  some  of  his  narra- 
tives consist  in  mere  travellers'  tales,  whilst  the  salient  points  and 
characteristic  features  of  the  national  manners  bear  the  impress  of 
truth,  and  are  supported  by  the  well-known  habits  and  institutions  of 
the  Teutonic  nations. 

He  tells  of  their  bards,  and  explains  the  etymology  of  the  term  by 
the  word  barditum,  which  signified  the  recitation  of  their  songs.  He 
hints  at  wild  legends  and  dark  superstitions  with  which  the  German 
imagination  still  loves  to  people  the  dark  recesses  of  their  forests.  He 
describes  their  pure  and  unmixed  race,  and,  consequently,  the  universal 
prevalence  of  the  national  features :  blue  eyes,  red  or  sandy  hair,  and 
stalwart  and  gigantic  frames.  According  to  his  account,  their  political 
constitutions  were  elective  monarchies',  but  the  monarch  was  always  of 
noblo  birth,  and  his  power  limited  ;  and  all  matters  of  importance  were 
debated  by  the  estate  of  the  people.  In  the  solemn  permission  ac- 
corded to  a  German  youth  to  bear  arms,  and  his  investiture  with  lance 
and  shield,  is  seen  the  origin  of  knighthood ;  and  in  the  sanctity  of 
the  marriage  tie,  the  chastity  of  the  female  sex,  their  social  influence, 
and  the  respect  paid  to  them,  the  rarity  of  adultery  and  its  severe 
punishment,  and  the  total  absence  of  polygamy,  we  recognize  the  germ 
of  the  distinguishing  characteristics  of  chivalry.  They  were  hos- 

M  2  137 


138  NOTES. 

pitable  and  constant  to  their  hereditary  friendships,  but  stern  in  per- 
petuating family  feuds  ;  passionately  fond  of  gambling,  and  strict  in 
their  regard  for  debts  of  honor ;  inveterate  drinkers,  and  their  favorite 
potation  was  beer;  they  could  not  consult  on  important  matters  with- 
out a  convivial  meeting ;  if  they  quarrelled  over  their  cups,  they  had 
recourse  rarely  to  words,  usually  to  blows.  Their  slaves  were  in  the 
condition  of  serfs  or  villains,  and  paid  to  the  lord  a  fixed  rent  in  corn, 
or  cattle,  or  manufactures.  They  reckoned  their  time  by  nights  in- 
stead of  days,  just  as  we  are  accustomed  to  use  the  expressions 
se'nnight  and  fortnight. 

After  having  sketched  the  manners  and  customs  of  the  nation  as  a 
whole,  he  proceeds  to  treat  of  each  tribe  separately.  In  speaking  of 
the  Angli,  who  inhabited  part  of  the  modern  territory  of  Sleswick- 
Holstein,  and  whose  name  is  still  retained  in  the  district  of  Angeln, 
one  word  which  he  uses  is  an  English  one.  The  Angli,  he  says, 
together  with  the  conterminous  tribes,  worship  Herthus  (Nerthus), i.  e.y 
Terra.  Even  in  these  early  times  he  mentions  the  naval  superiority  of 
the  Suiones,  who  were  the  ancestors  of  the  Normans  and  Sea-kings. 
With  these  he  affirms  that  the  continent  of  Europe  terminates,  and  all 
beyond  is  a  motionless  and  frozen  ocean.  Truth  in  these  distant 
climes  mingles  with  fable.  Daylight  continues  after  the  sun  has  set, 
but  a  hissing  noise  is  heard  as  his  blazing  orb  plunges  into  the  sea, 
and  the  forms  of  the  gods,  and  the  radiant  glories  which,  surround 
their  heads,  are  visible.  The  list  of  marvels  ends  with  fabulous  beings, 
whose  bodies  and  limbs  are  those  of  wild  beasts,  whilst  their  heads  and 
faces  are  human.  Browne's  Roman  Classical  Literature. 

Page 

14  1-4.  Germania  omnis  here  is  Germany  proper,  east  of  the 
Rhine,  excluding  the  Roman  provinces  of  Germania  Superior  (or 
Germania  Prima)  and  Germania  Inferior  (or  Germania  Secunda), 
which  lay  on  the  left  or  west  of  the  Rhine.  For  a  clear  view  of 
this  and  other  geographical  allusions,  see  "Long's  Classical 
Atlas,"  map  of  "  Germania  Magna  with  the  Provinces  on  the 
Upper  Danube."  2.  Rheno,  which  separates  Germany  from 
Gaul.  Danuvio  (Danubio),  which  separates  Germany  from  Raetia 
(Rhaetia)  and  Pannonia.  Sarmatis,  occupying  the  country  be- 
tween the  Vistula  and  the  Don,  and  thus  embracing  a  large  portion 
of  the  present  European  Russia.  3.  Montibus,  the  Carpathian 
range.  Cetera  («c.  loca),  the  other  parts,  the  rest.  Oceanus. 
The  German  ocean  (North  sea)  and  the  Baltic.  Tacitus  elsewhere 
(cap.  45)  calls  the  Baltic  Sitevicnm  mare.  4.  Sinus,  peninsulas, 


GERMANIA.  139 

P 

lands  bending  or  curving  out  into  the  sea.  For  similar  uses  of  the 
word  (which  generally  means  gulf  or  bay),  cf.  cap.  29,  35,  and  37; 
and  Agric.  cap.  23 ;  and  note  its  connection  with  insularum 
spatia.  By  latos  sinns  is  more  particularly  meant  the  Cimbric 
Chersonesus,  t.  e..  Jutland  (Denmark).  Insularum  —  spatia,  the 
islands  in  the  Baltic  sea;  but  especially  Scandinavia  (Sweden  and 
Norway),  which  the  Romans  at  that  time  supposed  to  be  an 
island. 

1-8.  Gentibus  ac  regibus,  those,  namely,  inhabiting  the  penin- 
sulas and  islands  just  referred  to,  which  became  known  to  the 
Romans  in  the  course  of  their  more  recent  wars ;  the  word  nuper, 
as  Kritz  remarks,  embracing  a  period  of  nearly  a  hundred  years. 
3.  Inaccesso  =  inaccessibili.  Vertice,  ablat.  of  source,  without 
a  preposition.  Ortus,  rising.  Perfect  participles  from  deponent 
verbs  are  generally  best  rendered  by  the  English  present  participle 
in  ing.  4.  Versus,  turning.  See  preceding  note.  The  participle 
is  here  used  in  a  middle  or  deponent  sense.  Septentrional! 
OCeano,  with  the  northern  ocean,  the  ocean  on  the  north  of  Ger- 
many. Oceano  is  the  instrumental  ablat.,  miscetur  ( =  mixes 
itself)  being  taken  in  a  middle  sense.  5.  Danuvius  or  Danu- 
bius,  as  some  MSS.  have  it.  Molli — jugo,  from  the  gently  sloping 
—  summit.  So  the  commentators  generally.  Kritz  takes  molli  in 
the  sense  of  won  saxoso,  httmumque  fertilem  habente.  Cf.  Virg. 
Eel.  ix.  8.  Clementer,  moderately.  "  A  moribus  hominum  ad  res 
et  loca  translatum."  K.  6.  Jugo,  ablat.  of  separation,  governed 
by  ex  in  effusus.  Jngiim  is  that  part  of  a  mountain  or  hill,  where, 
like  a  yoke,  it  slopes  in  both  directions.  Abnobae,  the  Black 
Forest,  der  Schwarzwald  (the  Abenau  mountain  range).  The  MSS., 
all  of  which  have  Arnobae  or  Arbonae,  have  been  corrected  by 
means  of  inscriptions  on  stones  dug  up  in  the  Black  Forest. 
Effusus  =  issuing  ;  in  a  middle  sense,  pouring  itself  out.  Flares, 
several ;  a  sense  which  the  word  often  has.  7.  Meatibus,  mouths  ; 
lit.  channels,  passages.  Erumpat,  it  empties;  the  subjunct.  is 
here  used  after  donee  because  the  result  of  the  action  is  conceived 
as  held  in  suspense.  A.  A  S.  g  263,  4;  H.  522,  I.;  B.  1240;  A.  62, 
2,  d. ;  Z.  §  575  ;  G.  g  573  and  574. 

9-13.  IpSOS,  the  Germans  themselves,  not  their  country,  which 
he  presently  describes.  Indigenas  is  compounded  of  indu,  an  old 
form  of  in,  and  gen,  root  of  giyno.  S.  Crediderim,  /  am  inclined 
to  believe;  subjunctive  of  modest,  cautious  statement,  to  soften  an 
assertion.  A.  A  S.  260,  Rem.  4;  H.  486,  III.  3;  B.  1179;  A.  60, 


140  NOTES. 

Page 

15  2,  6  /  Q.  252,  Kern.  1 ;  Z.  527.  Minime,  by  no  means ;  not  at  all. 
10.  AdventibUS  et  hospitiis,  with  the  arrivals  and  guest-friend- 
ships =  with  the  immigrants  and  visitors  (T.).  Notice  the  use  of 
the  abstract  for  the  concrete,  a  manner  of  expression  to  which 
Tacitus,  and,  indeed,  all  sententious  writers  are  prone.  11.  Nee 
—  et  ^line  12)=e««o» — et,  but  is  stronger.  M.  §  458,  Obs.  c. 
Nee  terra  sed  classibus.  Modern  philology  has  shown  that  just 
the  reverse  of  this  statement  is  true.  The  earliest  migrations 
were  by  land.  The  progenitors  of  the  Germans,  and  of  all  the 
nations  of  Europe,  emigrated  by  land  from  their  primitive  home 
in  central  western  Asia.  The  statement  of  Tacitus  is  based  on  his 
knowledge  of  the  fact  that  many  of  the  colonizations  of  the  shores 
of  the  Mediterranean  were  made  by  sea.  In  advehebantur 
•  (  =  those  sailed),  which  strictly  applies  only  to  classibus,  there  is 
a  zeugma ;  with  terra,  adceniebaitt  or  aduentabant  would  be  more 
proper.  Qui,  sc.  ii.  12.  Imniensus  ultra  oceanus,  the  vast 
ocean  beyond  the  north  shore  of  Germany.  Utque  sic  dixerim, 
and,  so  to  speak,  is  a  mild  apology  for  the  bold  use  of  the  word 
adversus,  hostile,  unfriendly  to  navigation.  So, the  commentators 
generally  translate  it;  some,  however,  translate  it,  lying  opposite, 
in  a  different  quarter  of  the  globe.  Dixerim  instead  of  dicam 
occurs  only  in  later  writers.  Z.  §  528.  The  proposition  on  which 
the  subjunctive  with  ut  here  depends,  is  omitted.  A.  A  S.  $  262, 
Kera.  8.  13.  Earis  —  aditur.  An  argument  to  prove  that  the 
Germans  were  indigenae,  and  not  mixti.  Ab  orbe  nostro,  from 
oar  (quarter  of  the)  world  ;  the  Roman  empire.  The  argument  of 
Tacitus  to  prove  the  Germans  indigenue  (sprung  from  the  soil),  is 
this :  1.  The  earliest  migrations  were  made  by  sea,  not  by  land. 
2.  But  even  Roman  mariners  shrunk  from  navigating  the  northern 
ocean.  3.  Therefore  (as  the  Germans  did  not  come  by  land,  and 
dared  not  come  by  sea),  the  Germans  sprung  from  the  soil  of  their 
country. 

14-17.  Praeter,  besides,  to  say  nothing  of.  Horridi,  rough, 
boisterous ;  ventis  valde  agitati.  K.  16.  Peteret,  subjunctive 
in  a  question  of  appeal  (dubitative  or  deliberative  subjunctive). 
A.  A  S.  §  260,  Rem.  5;  H.  486,  II.;  B.  1180;  A.  60,  1;  G.  468; 
Z.  $  530.  Informem  alludes  to  the  vast  forests  and  uncultivated 
tracts  of  Germany.  Terris  is  ablat.  of  specification.  Caelo,  t'n 
it*  climate.  17.  Tristem  CUltU,  wretched  in  its  civilization,  of 
course  from  a  Roman  standpoint.  Nisi  si  (  =  nisi)  is  often  used 
after  negative  sentences  or  equivalents,  in  the  signification  except, 


GERMANIA.  141 

Page 

but,  etc.     Z.  g  343 ;   G.  592,  Rem.  2.     Sit,  it  it.     The  present  sub-  15 
junctive  implies  the  real  or  possible  occurrence  of  the  action  sup- 
posed :  one  may  (Tacitus  would  say),  under  the  circumstances,  go 
to  Germany,  if  oae  is  a  German. 

18-23.  Carminibus  antiquis.  The  history  of  literature  shows 
that  among  all  nations  poetry  precedes  prose.  Men  express  their 
feelings  and  emotions  before  they  subject  them  to  philosophical 
diagnosis.  Of  this  the  Iliad,  the  Edda,  the  Niebelungen  Lied,  and 
Ossian  are  proofs.  T7num,  the  only.  19.  Memoriae,  of  record. 
Tuistonem  is  the  form  given  in  the  best  MSS.  Others  Tuisconem, 
Tristouem,  etc.  From  Tuisto,  the  Mars  of  our  German  ancestors, 
the  name  Tuesday  is  derived.  20.  Terra  editum,  answering  to 
the  Greek  aira^iav  (autochthonous).  Terra  is  governed  by  e  in 
editum.  Mannum,  i'roui  which  some  derive  the  word  man.  22. 
Proximi  oceano,  »c.  vocentur.  Medii,  the  midland  inhabitant!. 
Vocentur.  The  subjunctive  here  (in  orutio  obliqna)  shows  that 
Tacitus  makes  the  statement  not  on  his  own  authority,  but  on  that 
of  others. 

23-28.  Ut,  «c.  fit,  as  is  natural;  wie  natiirlieh.  K.  24. 
Plures,  more,  i.  e.  than  the  three  just  referred  to.  Deo,  i.  «. 
Manno.  Ortos  (esse).  Gentis,  of  the  race,  the  Germanic  race. 
25.  Suebos,  from  whom  the  modern  Suabia  derives  its  name. 
The  MSS.  vary  between  Suebos  and  Suevos.  26.  Eaque,  *c.  esse; 
and  also  with  vocabulum.  27.  Additum,  *c.  esse ;  still  depending 
on  affirmant.  28.  Qui,  sc.  ii.  See  how  the  statement  here  made 
is  confirmed  by  Caesar,  B.  G.  II.  4.  Expulerint,  subjunctive  in 
oratio  obliqua,  because  quidam  affirmant  and  not  Tacitus. 

1-4.  TJt  nunc,  i.  e.  in  the  time  of  Tacitus;  supply  vocentur  «/> 
(not  vocantur,  because  the  indirect  discourse  is  still  continued). 
Tune  German!,  i.  e.  at  the  time  of  their  expelling  the  Gauls. 
The  researches  of  modern  scholars  render  it  probable  that  the 
word  Germani  is  of  Celtic  origin.  "  It  had  come  into  general  use 
among  the  Celts  in  Gaul  before  the  time  of  Caesar,  who  there 
heard  it  applied  to  the  whole  nation  dwelling  on  the  east  of  the 
Rhine."  S.  It  is  derived  from  gnirm,  to  shout;  and  gairmmon,  a 
shouter,  warrior ;  with  which  compare  the  Homeric  0oi)v  <Jya5oj- 
Ita  nationis  nomen,  etc.,  thnt  in  this  manner  the  name  of  a  tribe, 
not  of  a  race,  gradually  prevailed,  so  that  all,  first  (called  Germans) 
by  the  conqueror  for  the  fear  (which  the  name  inspired),  were  soon 
afterwards  culled  German!  by  themselves  also,  the  name  having  b>-en 
invented  (when  once  the  name  had  been  invented).  By  victors  is 


142  NOTES. 

Page 

16  to  be  understood  the  conquering  tribe  (the  Tungri)  which  expelled 
the  Gauls,  and  applied  to  itself  and  the  whole  race  the  epithet 
Germani  =  warriors,  thereby  to  excite  terror;  and  as  the  name 
spread  with  the  renown  of  the  conquering  tribe,  the  whole  Ger- 
manic race  felt  flattered  and  adopted  the  name.  This  is  evidently 
the  meaning  of  Tacitus. 

5-11.  Apud  COS.  Notice  that  the  use  of  eos  here  shows  that 
Germani  is  not  the  subject  of  memorant  (  =  they,  i.  e.  people, 
authors,  relate)  :  if  it  were,  we  should  have  apud  se.  A.  &  S. 
§  208;  H.  449,  I.;  B.  1020;  A.  19,  3 ;  G.  294;  521.  Herculem, 
the  ubiquitous  hero ;  or  rather  that  German  demigod  whose  ex- 
ploits ranked  him  with  the  Greek  Hercules.  Primumque,  *e. 
eum,  him  first  of  all,  him  in  particular.  6.  Virorum  fortium, 
i.  e.  their  great  warriors  and  heroes.  In  Ann.  II.  88,  Tacitus  says 
of  Arminius,  "  Caniturque  adhuc  barbarus  apud  gentes."  7. 
Sunt  illis  =  they  have.  Kelatu,  recital;  the  chanting.  A  word 
found  only  in  Tacitus.  8.  Barditum,  the  battle-song.  This  is 
the  reading  of  the  best,  and  by  far  the  larger  number  of  MSS.  A 
few  have  baritum.  The  etymological  connections  of  the  word  are 
so  obscure  that  nothing  can  be  said  with  certainty  in  regard  to  it. 
Futurae  —  fortunam,  the  chance  of  the  impending  battle.  9. 
Ipso  cantu.  The  use  of  ipso  gives  the  expression  the  force  of 
"ex  solo  soiio"  (K.) ;  from  the  mere  sound  of  the  song.  10. 
Trepidantve,  or  take  alarm,  are  frightened.  Ve,  a  weaker  form 
of  vel,  gives  a  choice,  but  with  the  probability  in  favor  of  the  first 
alternative.  A.  &  S.  §  198,  II.  2,  Hem.  Acies,  the  army  in 
order  of  battle.  Nee — videtur,  nor  does  that  (battle-song)  seem 
so  much  a  unixon  of  voice  as  of  valor.  Ille  refers  to  barditus. 
This  is  the  reading  of  Hm.  and  He. ;  K.  and  others  read,  nee  tarn 
voces  illae  quam  virtutis  concentus  videntnr. 

12-24.  Fractum  murmur,  a  broken  sound,  issuing  not  straight 
out  from  the  mouth,  but  in  the  manner  explained  in  the  next 
clause.  13.  Quo,  that  (in  order  that),  takes  the  place  of  tit, 
especially  with  a  comparative  (plenior).  A.  &  S.  #  262,  Hem. 
9;  H.  497;  B.  1214;  A.  64,  a;  G.  545,  2 ;  Z.  §  536.  Eepercussu, 
by  its  re/lection.  14.  Ulixem  —  opinantur,  It  is  plain  from 
what  Tacitus  says  at  the  close  of  this  chapter,  that  he  classes  this 
among  the  romantic  tales  with  which  the  lively  fancy  of  Greek 
writers  and  their  Roman  imitators  loved  to  adorn  and  amplify  the 
old  legends.  Longo  illo  errore.  Observe  the  emphatic  position 
of  illo,  which,  in  the  sense  of  well  known,  follows  its  noun,  if  not 


GERMANIA.  143 

Page 

accompanied  by  an  adjective.  15.  Fabuloso,  storied ;  romantic.  \Q 
Hunc  oceanum,  i.  e.  the  ocean  washing  the  northern  shores  of 
Germany  and  adjacent  coasts  (not  the  Arctic  ocean).  Adisse 
adivisse,  came  to.-  16.  Asciburgium,  now  Asburg,  on  the  Rhine ; 
as  is  commonly  believed.  17.  Situm,  sc.  est.  Ab  illo,  by  him. 
Why  not  illo,  without  ab?  A.  &  S.  §  248,  I.;  II.  388,  II.,  2; 
B.  878;  A.  56,  4;  G.  §  403.  Constitutum,  sc.  esse;  also  after 
nominatum.  18.  Quin  etiam,  moreover;  nay  even.  TJlixi,  to 
Ulysses,  in  honor  of  Ulysses ;  dat.  of  advantage.  So  most  of  the 
commentators;  a  few,  however,  take  Ulixi  here  =  ab  Ulixe.  19. 
Patris  nomine,  i.  e.  as  a  patronymic,  Laertiadae,  AatprtaSy. 
Eodem  loco.  The  preposition  in  is  frequently  omitted  with  loco, 
when  an  adjective  is  used.  A.  &  S.  §  254,  Rein.  2  (b) ;  H. 
422,  1 ;  B.  937,  2 ;  A.  55,  3,  f;  G.  385,  Rem.  Repertam,  sc. 
esse.  20.  Tumulos,  sepulchral  mounds.  Graecis  —  inscriptos. 
Whether  the  inscriptions  were  in  Greek  characters  or  not,  it  is 
certain  that  the  use  of  Greek  characters  was  widely  diffused  over 
Europe  several  centuries  before  the  Christian  era.  For  the  state- 
ment in  the  text  Tacitus  is  supposed  to  be  indebted  to  the  elder 
Pliny.  22.  Adhuc  exstare,  still  exist,  are  still  extant.  23. 
In  animo  est,  «c.  mihi,  it  is  my  purpose.  Ex  —  SUO,  according  to 
his  turn  of  mind.  Quisque  demat,  let  each  withdraw ;  imperative 
subjunctive.  A.  &  S.  \  260,  Rem.  6;  H.  488,  II.;  B.  1193;  A. 
68,  2  ;  G.  256,  3. 

26-28.  Nullis  —  connubiis,  by  no  intermarriages  with  other 
nations.  The  use  of  aliis,  while  really  superfluous,  serves  the 
purpose  of  emphnsis.  "Aliis  is  not,  however,  wholly  redundant; 
but  brings  out  more  fully  the  idea  :  no  intermarriages,  one  with  one 
nation,  and  another  with  another."  T.  InfectOS,  mixed,  implying 
generally,  and  probably  here,  deterioration.  27.  Sinceram,  «>»- 
mixed.  Tantum  —  similem,  only  like  itself.  Sui.  A.  &  S.  § 
222,  Rem.  2  (b) ;  H.  391,  2,  4);  B.  863;  A.  51,  6,  c.  Rem.;  G. 
356,  Rem.  1 ;  Z.  g  411,  in  fin.  The  genitive  is  more  likely  with 
similif  when  the  reference  is  to  internal  resemblance  or  resemblance 
in  character.  28.  Habitus,  characteristics;  in  the  singular. 
Supply  est. 

2-6.  Idem  omnibus  (est),  nil  have  the  same;  omnibus  being  Yf 
dat.  of  the  possessor.    Truces — oculi.     Compare  Caes.  B.  G.I. 
39;  Juv.  XIII.  164;    Hor.  Epod.  XVI.  7.     3.  Ad  impetum,  for 
a  sudden  effort,  for  a  brief  onset.     Cf.  Ann.  II.  14,  where  we  have 
corpus  ad  brevem  impetum  vuliduiii.     4.  Non,  sc.  est  iis,  they  have 


144  NOTES. 

Page 

17  "°'-  Minimeque,  and  least  of  all.  5.  Tolerare  depends  on 
assuerunt.  (Sed)  frigora  atque  inediam  (tolerate),  etc.;  (but) 
cold  and  hunger  they  are  accustomed  (to  endure)  by  reason  of  their 
climate  and  soil.  Caelo  and  solo,  ablat.  of  cause,  refer  to  frigora 
and  inediam  respectively  ;  hence  ve,  though  disjunctive,  is  better 
rendered  and.  K.  thus  expands  and  explains  the  brevity  of  Taci- 
tus :  prout  vel  caeli  vel  soli  natura  eat.  6.  Assuerunt  —  assueve- 
runt. 

7-13.  Aliquanto,  considerably  ;  strictly  an  ablat.  of  degree  of 
difference,  though  usually  accounted  an  adverb.  In  universum, 
on  the  whole,  in  general.  8.  Horrida,  bristling.  Foeda,  «c.  est. 
9.  Gallias,  Gaul.  When  Gaul  became  Roman  and  was  divided 
into  several  parts,  they  were  called  Galliae.  Ventosior,  like  the 
Homeric  fivcuotts,  implies  elevation — exposed  to  winds,  and  hence 
lofty.  10.  Aspicit,  it  faces.  Satis,  in  crops ;  nblat.  from  sata. 
Cf.  Virg.  Georg.  II.  222.  Impatiens,  unproductive.  Tacitus 
alludes  to  the  finer  fruits  of  a  Southern  clime.  11.  Improcera, 
undersized,  sc.  pecora  sunt.  Fecora  are  the  smaller  (horned) 
cattle;  armenta,  the  larger.  Ne  —  quidem,  «c.  est,  not  even 
the  larger  cattle  have;  armentis  being  dat.  of  the  possessor. 
12.  Suns  —  ffontis,  their  proper  size  and  beauty  or  splendor  of 
forehead.  An  expression  almost  too  poetical  for  the  occasion. 
Gloria  frontis  is  used  poetically  for  "  mngna  et  camura  cornua." 
K.  Numero,  rather  than  quality.  13.  Eae,  and  not  ea,  agree- 
ing with  opes  rather  than  with  armenta. 

14-28.  Propitii  —  irati,  ichether  in  kindness  or  in  anger  ;  hence 
negaverint  is  subjunctive  of  indirect  question.  15.  Nee  — 
affirmaverim,  and  yet  I  shall  not  assert ;  affirmaverim  is  subjunc- 
tive of  modest  or  cautious  statement  (to  soften  an  assertion ;  like 
the  Attic  use  of  the  optative  with  &v).  A.  &  S.  §  260,  Rem.  4;  H. 
486,  III.  3:  B.  1179;  A.  61),  2,  b;  G.  252,  Rem.  1  ;  Z.  g  527.  It 
is  now  well  known  that  both  gold  and  silver  are  found  in  Germany. 
17.  Fossessione  —  afficiuntur,  in  regard  to  their  possession  and 
use  they  are  not  disposed  in  just  the  same  mariner  ;  while  they  desire 
to  possess  gold  and  silver  utensils,  they  yet  subject  them  to  base 
uses.  The  comparison  is  evidently  between  possessione  and  usu. 
So  Kritz.  18.  Est  videre  =  one  may  see  ;  it  is  possible  to  see. 
The  expression  shows  the  influence  of  Greek  (eanv  &p£")  on  Latin. 
The  Latin  idiom  is  licet  videre.  19.  Principibus  muneri.  A.  & 
S.  g  227;  H.  390;  B.  848;  A.  51,  5;  G.  350.  Non  in  alia  =  in 
eadem,  in  just  the  same.  20.  Quae  —  finguntur,  t.  e.  earthen- 


GERMANIA.  145 


ware;  humo  is  ablat.  of  the  material  (means).  Proximi,  t.  e.  to  \^ 
the  Rhine  or  to  the  Romans.  22.  Formas  =  pieces ;  a  word 
frequently  applied  to  stamped  coins.  23.  Eligunt,  because  they 
know  these  well,,  agnoscunt.  Interiores.  those  farther  inland. 
25.  Serratos,  coins  with  notched  ed</es,  like  the  edge  of  a  saw. 
This  word  is  post- Augustan.  Bigatosque,  and  coins  stamped  tcith 
the  figure  of  a  two-horse  cJtariot.  26.  Affectione,  predilection, 
inclination.  27.  Numerus,  the  (great)  number,  which  made  them 
better  known,  and  their  use  more  general  in  the  purchase  of  ordi- 
nary commodities.  Argenteorum  («c.  numorum),  of  the  Mver 
coins.  28.  Promiscua  ac  villa,  common  and  cheap  commodities. 

1-13.  Ne  quidem  (with  a  word  between)  =  not  even.  Superest,  Jg 
abounds.  2.  Colligitur,  is  inferred.  Eari,  only  a  few ;  a  man 
here  and  there.  3.  Frameas,  frameae,  which  is  therefore  an  old 
German  word;  occurring  also  in  Spanish.  4.  Ferro,  point,  head ; 
ablat.  of  description  or  quality.  Habili,  handy,  suitable.  5. 
Batio  =  the  English  word  circumstance*;  lit.  a  consideration  of 
the  circumstances.  6.  Scuto,  framea.  These  ablatives  arc  suf- 
ficiently explained  as  ablatives  of  cause  —  the  cause  of  contentus 
est.  7.  Spargunt  poeticum  liabet  colorem.  K.  An  instance  of 
the  tendency  of  Tacitus  to  use  poetical  expressions.  Of.  Virg. 
Aen.  XII.  50.  Pluraque  singuli  («e.  pedites  missilia  spargunt), 
andeachfootnoldiera  good  many.  8.  In  immensum  (xe.  spatiuin), 
to  a  great  distance.  Vibrant,  they  hurl  them;  properly,  they  sway 
them  backward  and  forward,  and  then  hurl  them.  Nudi,  here,  as 
often,  is  almost  nude,  9.  LfiVeS  =  lightly  covered;  being  nudi 
and  leves  they  have  inore  complete  command  of  their  bodily 
powers.  Cultus,  of  ornaments,  of  military  equipments.  Lectissi- 
mis,  with  very  choice,  striking.  10.  Coloribus.  "Hence  coats 
of  arms  and  the  origin  of  heraldry."  T.  from  Murphy.  Loricae, 
«••.  sunt.  11.  The  cassis  was  of  metal ;  the  galea  of  leather. 
Forma,  for  their  beauty;  ablat.  of  cause.  12.  Sed  nee  —  sed  et 
non,  but  —  not  even.  Variare  gyros,  t<>  vary  their  curves  or  courses ; 
"to  describe  a  movement  of  which  the  figure  8  gives  one  the  best 
idea."  13.  In  rectum  —  Sit,  ihey  drive  them  in  a  straight  line 
(  -=r  straight  forward)  or  by  a  single  bending  to  the  right,  in  a  cir- 
cular course  so  connected  that  no  one  is  behind.  The  movement 
may  be  thus  explained:  the  horsemen  rode  abreast  on  the  radius 
of  a  circle;  the  rider  on  the  extreme  right  of  the  line,  being  nearer 
the  centre  of  the  circle,  moved  more  slowly,  while  the  rider  on  the 
extreme  left,  being  on  the  circumference,  moved  more  rapidly;  a 
10  — Tac.  N 


146  NOTES. 

Page 

18  principal  object  was  that  the  whole  line  should  present  an  even 
front.     The  circular  arcs  which  the  several   riders  were  at  any 
moment  describing  were  so  conjoined  by  the  common  radius  in 
which  they  moved,  that   no  rider  lagged  behind.     So   Kritz  and 
other  commentators.     Some  explain  the  passage  differently. 

14-28.  In  universum,  on  the  whole,  in  general.  15.  Aes- 
tirnanti,  to  one  considering  the  matter;  equivalent  here  to  a  pro- 
tasis, si  quia  aestimat ;  dative  of  reference  after  some  such  expres- 
'  sion  as  venit  in  mentem,  understood.  Eo,  therefore  ;  ablat.  of  cause. 
Mixti,  i.  e.  equites  cum  peditibus  mixti.  Of.  Caes.  B.  G.  I.  48, 
where  the  same  thing  is  more  fully  described.  18.  Centeni. 
Notice  the  forcoof  the  distributive;  a  hundred  from  each  canton. 
19.  Id  ipsum,  lit.  that  itself  ^by  just  that  name,  i.  e.  centeni; 
hundert,  with,  of  course,  the  proper  name  annexed;  id  ipsum  is 
predicate  nominative  after  vocantur.  20.  Quod,  t.  e.  id  quod  = 
what.  Frimo  generally  is  at  first;  while  primum  is  first,  in  the 
first  place.  Numerus,  a  (mere)  number.  21.  Cuneos.  The 
plural  indicates  that  each  body  formed  a  ennens,  and  that  many 
cunei  formed  the  acies.  Loco,  ablat.  governed  by  ex  understood. 
Cf.  Liv.  III.  63.  22.  Instes,  subjunct.  of  condition.  A.  &  S.  g 
263,  2;  H.  60.3;  B.  1259;  A.  61,  3;  G.  575.  Consilii  —  formi- 
<i\ni&  =  api-oofofprudejtce  rather  than  of  fear.  The  omission  of 
potius  is  noticeable.  "Isolated  irregularities  in  the  use  of  the 
comparative  form  are  met  with  here  and  there  in  certain  writers 
(Sallust,  Livy,  and  especially  Tacitus),  e.  g.  the  omission  of  magis 
or  potius  before  quam."  Madvig,  g  308,  Obs.  2.  Consilii,  predi- 
cate genitive.  A.  A  S.  §  211,  Rem.  8  (3);  H.  401;  B.  780;  A.  50, 
I.  c;  G.  365.  23.  Corpora,  *c.  caesa.  Referunt,  t.  e.  back  to 
the  rear.  24.  Nee  fas  (est)  ignominioso,  etc.  26.  Multi,  se. 
ignominiosi.  Superstates  bellorum,  surviving  the  wars.  The 
genitive  after  snperstes  is  mostly  post-Augustan.  Laqueo,  with  a 
halter.  28.  Reges,  duces.  Civil  rulers  and  military  leaders 
respectively.  Ex,  according  to  (their). 

19  1-15.  Nec  regions,  «c.  est  —  and  kings  hare  not;  regions  being 
dat.  of  the   possessor.     Infinita,  libera,  unlimited,  unrestrained. 
Exemplo  and  imperio,  instrumental  ablat.     8.  Agant,  subjunc- 
tive by  the  principle  of  oratio  obliqua,  to  reflect  the  sentiment  of 
the  admirers  and  not  that  of  Tacitus.     Admiratione,  with  admira- 
tion, so  as  to  excite  admiration.     4.  Animadvertere  =  to  punish, 
here  with  death.     "  Animadvertere  in  aliquem,  by  an  ellipsis  of 
supplicio,  signifies  to  punish  any  one"   Crombie.     5.  Permissuni, 


GERMANIA.  147 

Page 

»c.  est.  Non —  poenam.  not  as  though  for  punishment,  but  to  ap-  J9 
pease  the  anger  of  the  deity.  7.  Effigies  et  signa,  images  and 
standard*,  standards  with  certain  images  on  them  ;  these  images, 
as  appears  from  Hist.  IV.  22,  were  those  of  wild  boar*,  bears, 
wolves,  and  bulls:  "depromptae  silvis  lucisve  ferarum  imagines." 
And  this  explains  (8)  detracta  lucis,  taken  from  the  yroves.  9. 
Quodque  =  et  quod,  and  ichat.  10.  Conglobatio,  mast  of  men, 
assemblage ;  a  post-Augustan  word.  Turmam,  of  cavalry. 
Cuneum,  of  infantry.  11.  In  proximo  (»c.  loco)  =:  near  by,  in 
proximity.  Pignora,  i.  e.  their  wives  and  children.  12.  Audiri, 
i*  heard ;  the  historical  infinitive.  This  is  the  reading  of  the 
MSS.,  which  Kritz  corrects  and  reads  auditur.  13.  Sanctissimi, 
the  most  inviolable,  whose  claims  and  rights  must  be  defended. 
Observe  that  hi  takes  the  ruling  gender  of  testes  and  laudatores. 
15.  Exigere,  to  demand,  as  proof  of  valor.  Some  editors  trans- 
late to  examine  and  care  for,  which  seems  not  to  accord  with  the 
general  spirit  of  the  context. 

17-28.  Quasdam  —  labantes,  that  some  armiet  already  giving 
way  and  uuvering.  18.  Bestitutas  (esse).  Notice  the  two 
ablatives  feminis  and  constantia;  the  former,  being  a  voluntary 
agent,  is  governed  by  the  preposition  a;  the  latter,  expressing 
means,  is  the  instrumental  ablat.  without  a  preposition.  19. 
Objectu  pectorum,  that  is,  to  their  husbands  and  brothers,  and 
imploring  death  at  their  hands  rather  than  captivity  with  the 
enemy.  Comminus,  close  at  hand.  20.  Nomine,  for  the  sake 
of,  in  the  case  of.  21.  Adeo  at,  to  such  a  degree  that.  22. 
Nobiles.  So  all  the  MSS.  Some  editors,  however,  read  nnbiles ;  a 
reading  at  variance  with  the  ancient  German  reverence  for  women. 
23.  Inesse,  «c.  feminis,  that  there  is  in  them.  Quin.  etiam,  more- 
over. 25.  Responsa,  their  answer*;  their  oracular  responses 
and  prophecies.  Vidimus  Veledam,  namely,  at  Rome,  whither 
she  was  brought  captive.  The  plural  indicates  Tacitus  and  his 
contemporaries.  "  From  this  passage  it  has  been  erroneously  sup- 
posed that  Tacitus  had  himself  been  in  Germany."  S.  Divo,  the 
deified.  After  the  Augustan  period  this  was  a  standing  epithet  of 
deceased  Roman  emperors.  The  use  of  the  word  here,  of  course, 
implies  that  Vespasian  was  dead  at  the  time  the  passage  was 
written.  26.  Plerosque,  «c.  Germanoruin,  Loco,  in  the  rank. 
27.  Albrunam.  The  name  appears  in  a  great  variety  of  forms, 
even  in  the  MSS.  Aurinia  is  the  commoner  form.  28.  Adulatione, 
from  cringing  jluttei-y  ;  the  servile  spirit  which  induced  the  Romans 


148  NOTES. 

Page 

19  under  the  empire  to  deify  men,  and  even  women,  as  Drusilla,  the 
sister  of  Caligula,  and  others.     There  is  in  this  passage  an  indi- 
rect but  evident  censure  of  the  servile  spirit  and  depraved  man- 
ners of  the  later  Romans.     Neque  —  deas,    nor   as  if  they  made 
them  goddesses  ;  but  the  Germans,  believing  that  these  women  were 
divinely  inspired   in   an    unusual   degree,   ranked   them,  though 
human,  with  goddesses.     After  facerent  supply  eat. 

20  1-11.  Mercurium.   Cf.  Caes.  B.  G.  VI.  17.     Tacitus,  of  course, 
applies    Roman    names    to    the   German    deities.      2.    Quoque 
immediately   follows   the  word  which    it   emphasizes.     On    other 
days  victims  of  a  different  kind  were  offered.     3.  Concessis,  with 
the  allowed  or  allotted ;  with  animals  usually  devoted  to  sacrifice 
among  other  nations.     The  word  is  used  in  contrast  with  humanis. 
[Et  Herculem.  ]    Words  thus  inclosed  are  found  in  only  a  few  MSS. 
or  rest  upon  inferior  MS.  authority.     4.  Sueborum  =  Suevorum. 
Their  name  still  remains  in  Schwaben,  Suabia.     Isidi.  Amid  the 
many  conjectures  respecting  this  goddess,  that  of  Ritter  and  Kritz, 
who  identify  her  with  the  Nerthus  of  chap.  40,  seems   the  most 
plausible.    Unde  causa,  »<•.  sit.    Tacitus  by  this  remark  indicates 
a  possible  adoption  by  the  Germans  of  the  Egyptian  goddess  Isis. 
5.   Sacro,   dative.      Signum,    her  symbol.      6.   Liburnae,   of  a 
Liburnian  galley  ;  a  light,  fast  sailing  vessel  of  the  Liburnians,  an 
Illyrian  people  on  the  Adriatic.     Advectam  (esse).     7.  Religio- 
nem,  that  her  worship.     Cohibere,  to  confine  (icithin).     8.  Ex,  in 
accordance  with.     10.  Consecrant,  i.  e.  to  particular  deities.     Se- 
cretum  illud,   that  mysterious  being ;   which   was  neither  to  be 
materialized  in  images  nor  circumscribed  by  temples  ;  neither  of 
which  the  Germans  of  this  age  had.     11.  Sola  —  vident,  they  dis- 
cern by  reverence  alone.     Hence,  among  the  Germans  religion  was 
more  spiritual,  though  none  the  less  superstitious;  among  other 
pagans,  it  was  rather  a  matter  of  form. 

12-28.  Sortesque.  Cf.  Caes.  B.  G.  I.  50,  and  I.  43.  Tit  qui 
maxime  =  quam  maxime,  very  diligently ;  lit.,  a«  those  (observe 
them)  who  observe  them  most..  14.  Arbori.  The  dative  depends 
on  de  in  composition  (decisam).  15.  Discretes,  distinguished, 
marked;  from  discerno.  Temere,  at  random.  16.  Si  —  consul- 
tetur  =  if  the  consultation  is  on  behalf  of  the  state.  Editors 
generally  read  consnletur.  We  give  the  reading  of  Halm.  18. 
Ter  singulos  tollit,  takes  up  each  one  three  times  ;  for  the  sake  of 
greater  certainty.  "  Three  is  the  charm."  Cf.  Caes.  B.  G.  I.  53. 
19.  Sublatos,  them  while  held  up.  20.  Probibuerunt,  sc.  sortes. 


GERMANIA.  149 

Page 

21.  Permissum,  «c.  est,  the  matter  is  allowed ;  impersonally.  22.  20 
Fides,  confirmation.  Exigitar,  it  required.  Et  illud  quidem, 
and  in  fact  the  following.  Hie,  i.  c.  in  Germany.  Notum  (est). 
23.  Proprium  gentis  (Qermanicae  eet),  it  is  a  peculiarity  of  the 
(German)  race.  For  the  case  of  gentis.  A.  A  S.  §  213;  H.  399,  3, 
3) ;  B.  766  ;  A.  50,  3 ;  G.  356,  Hem.  1.  24.  Publice,  by  the  state; 
or,  at  the  expense  of  the  state.  25.  Lucia.  What  preposition  is 
understood  ?  26.  Mortal!  =  of  man.  Contact!,  defiled,  blemished. 
Presses  poeticum  habet  colorem,  K. ;  and  is  another  instance  of 
the  proneness  of  Tacitus  to  the  language  of  poetry.  Sacro  cnrru, 
used  in  the  performance  of  public  sacred  rites.  27.  Hinnitus — 
observant.  How  is  Darius  Hystaspes  said  to  have  been  chosen 
king  ?  Cf.  Herod.  III.  85. 

1-14.  Fides,  credit.  2.  Illos,  «c.  equos.  Conscios,  *c.  ease,  are  O1 
their  confidant*.  4.  Explorantur  is  the  reading  of  one  MS.  cor- 
rected, and  is  adopted  by  Hal  in  ;  some  have  exploratur  •  others 
explornnt.  5.  Quoquo  modo,  in  whatever  manner,  "  vel  vi,  vel  dolo, 
vel  casu."  K.  6.  ElectO  —  suorum,  one  chosen  from  their  own 
countrymen.  Patriis,  of  his  country  or  nation.  7.  Armis,  ablat. 
of  accompaniment,  with  cnm  omitted.  Committunt,  they  match, 
for  single  combat.  The  technical  word  for  matching  gladiators 
and  combatants.  "  Montesquieu  finds  in  this  custom  the  origin  of 
the  duel  and  of  knight-errantry."  T.  Praejudicio,  a  prejudg- 
meiit,  a  virtual  judgment  of  the  result  of  the  future  contest.  10. 
Ita  tamen  at,  tn  ench  a  way  however  that— with  this  provision 
however  that.  11.  Pertractentur,  are  thoroughly  discussed.  Per 
seems  to  have  an  intensive  force  here.  Ritter  reads  praetractentur, 
which  would  be  a  happy  conjecture,  if  conjecture  were  needed. 
13.  Certis,  on  fixed,  appointed.  Inchoatur  luna.  Cf.  Caes.  I.  50. 
Impletur,  not  is  filled  or  full,  but  is  increasing,  is  filling;  as  the 
present  tense  implies.  14.  Eebus,  dative. 

15-28.  Noctium.  Compare  the  expressions  "  sennight"  (seven 
nights),  a  week;  "fortnight"  (fourteen  nights),  two  weeks.  See 
also,  Caes.  B.  G.  VI.  18.  16.  Constituent,  condicunt  (determine^ 
appoint).  Vocabula  sunt  forensia.  K.  Ducere.  to  lead  =  to  go 
before  ;  a  day  was  reckoned  from  sunset  to  sunset.  17.  Iliad  is 
subject.  Ex  libertate,  «c.  ortuin,  arising  from.  18.  Ut,  tchen. 
Et  alter,  even  a  second ;  from  which  it  is  evident  that  alter  is 
equivalent  to  secundns.  19.  Ut,  when,  as  soon  as.  21.  Quibus 
6Bt  =  who  have.  Turn,  then,  when  they  have  taken  their  seats  in 
convention.  22.  Cuique,  translate  of  each;  it  is  however  dative 

X2 


150  NOTES. 

Page 

21  of  the  possessor,  »c.  est.     23.  Decus,  his  renown   (in).    Auctori- 
tate,  from  their  influence  (in);  ablat.   of  cause.     24.    Displicuit, 
•c.  iis.     28.  Discrimen  intendere  =  to  arraiyn  on  a  capital  charge ; 
lit.,  to  hold  over  (one)  the  peril  of  (his)  head. 

22  1-12.  Ex,  according  to.    2.  Arboribus,  governed  by  de,  ex,  or 
ab,    understood.     The   preposition    is   frequently   expressed.     3. 
Ignavos,  cowards,  who  show  fear  in  battle;  imbelles,  the  nmcar- 
like,  who  seek  to  avoid  warfare.    Corpora   infames,  the  disre- 
putable  in  body  ;  "  nefandis  et  naturae  repugnantibus  libidinibus 
dediti."  K.    Coeno  ac  palude  =  coenosa  pnlude  ;  such  a  hendiadys 
we  should  expect  to  find  only  in  poetry.     Yet  many  occur  in  Taci- 
tus.    4.  Diversitas.    A  post-Augustan  word,  and  a  proof  of  the 
growth  and  development  of  language,  not  necessarily  of  its  decay. 
6.   Illuc  respicit  =  Aa«  regard   to   this,  has   this   object   in   view. 
Scelera  oporteat  =  crimes  ought;  crimes    against   society,  while 
flagitia  are  vices  which  degrade  the  individual.     6.  Delictis,  dat. 
of  the  possessor.     7.  Pro  modo,  «c.  delicti,  according  to  the  measure 
of  the   offense.     Poena,    «c.   est.     All   the   MSS.    have,  strangely 
enough,  poenamm,  which  nearly  all  editors,  ancient  and  modern, 
have  corrected.     "  Poena  and  tupplicium  agree  in  denoting  a  pun- 
ishment inflicted  upon  some  person,  held  to  be  a  culprit,  but  differ 
in  respect  to  its  severity.     Poena  denotes  a  penalty,  which  may  be 
either  the  lightest  or  the  heaviest  possible,  and  comprehends  also 
all  the   intermediate  degrees.     Supplicium  differs  from  poena,  in 
denoting  that  the  punishment  is  always  severe,  and  that  the  rigor 
of  the  means  is  neglected,  provided   the  end  is   obtained."     Hill, 
pp.  594-5.     See  Hist.  I.  37.     Numero,  ablat.  of  the  fine.     A.  A  S. 
$  217,  Rem.  3;  H.  410,  5,  3);  13.  795;  Ai  50.  4,  b;  G.  377,  Rem.  1. 
Multare,  to  mulct,  is  always  followed  by  the  ablative.     9.  Vindi- 
catur,  is  avenged.     Propinquis   ejus,  e.  g.  in  cases   of  homicide. 
10.  Isdem  =  iisdem.     Jura  reddunt,  administer  justice,  in  circuit 
(per)  courts.     11.  Pagos,  canton*,  districts,  the  territory  of  a  dis- 
tinct people,  e.  g.  the  hundred  cantons  of  the  Suevi,  Caes.  B.  G.  I. 
37.     There  might   be    many  vici  in  a  pagus.     12.   Consilium  — 
auctoritas,  at  once  his  council  (or  advisers)  and  (the  supporters  of) 
his  authority. 

13-18.  Rei  is  partitive  genitive  limiting  nihil.  Neque  —  neque, 
either  —  or;  because  nihil  is  a  general  negative  which  tirque — 
neque  simply  distribute.  A.  A  S.  g  277,  Rem.  5;  II.  585,  2;  B. 
999  ;  G.  444.  14.  Non  cuiquam  moris,  «c.  est=  it  i«  tiot  customary 
for  a»y  one.  Cuiquam  is  dative  of  the  possessor.  Moris  is  predi- 


GERMANIA.  151 

Page 

cate  genitive  of  quality.  A.  A  S.  $  211,  Rem.  8  (3),  (a);  H.  401  22 
and  402,  I.;  B.  780;  A.  50,  1,  c;  G.  365.  Ante  quam=ante- 
quam,  before;  followed  by  probaverit,  subjunctive  of  ideal  limit. 
A.  A  S.  §  263,  3 ;  H.  523,  II.  j  B.  1241 ;  A.  62,  II. ;  G.  579.  15. 
Suffecturum,  sc.  eum  esse,  thnt  he  will  be  able  (to  bear  arms).  16. 
Principum,  partitive  genitive  limiting  aliquis.  17.  Scuto  — 
ornant.  Compare  with  this  ceremonial  the  investiture  of  knights 
with  lance  and  shield  in  the  days  of  chivalry.  Haec,  sc.  est; 
agreeing  in  gender  with  the  predicate,  toga.  18.  Toga,  the  toga, 
i.  e.  the  symbol  of  entrance  upon  manhood,  as  the  assumption  of 
the  toga  was  with  the  Romans.  Honos,  to  be  taken  in  its  political 
sense;  an  honor  bestowed  by  the  state  and  a  stepping-stone  to 
"office  and  honor." 

20-28.  Patrum  merita,  services  on  the  part  of  fathers.  Prin- 
cipis  dignatiortem,  the  rank  of  prince.  So  most  editors.  Kritz, 
however,  gives  these  words  the  sense  of,  "the  favor  of  the  prince." 
Tacitus  would  hardly  think  it  necessary  to  state  so  natural  a  fact. 
21.  Ceteris,  dative  after  aggregantur.  22.  Jam  pridem=jam- 
pridem,  long,  already  long.  Aggregantur,  sc.  hi  adolescentuli ; 
tlf-y  attach  themselves.  Nee  rubor,  sc.  est  iis  =  nor  are  they 
ashamed.  23.  Comites,  the  attendants,  retinue,  of  the  king  or 
prince;  the  same  as  comitatus  in  the  same  line.  Gradns,  degrees 
of  rank.  Quin  etiam,  moreover;  but  even.  25.  Quibus —  locus, 
sc.  sit,  tcho  shall  have  the  first,  etc.  27.  Comites,  sc.  sint ;  subjunc- 
tive of  indirect  question.  Haec,  sc.  est;  also  agreeing  with  the 
predicate  dignitas.  28.  Decus  answers  to  dignitas,  and  prae- 
sidium  to  vires :  decus  is  in  apposition  with  the  preceding  clause. 

1-5.  Cuiqne,  *c.  principis.  2.  Nomen,  renown.  3.  Comitatus,  03 
genitive.  Emineat,  he  in  distinguished;  subjunctive  in  oratio 
obliqua,  to  refer  the  thought  to  cuique.  Expetuntur,  sc.  tales 
principes,  they  are  sought  after,  are  courted.  4.  Legationibus  is 
ablative.  Ipsa,  ablative,  agrees  with  fama ;  by  their  reputation 
itself.  5.  Profligant,  they  almont  terminate.  For  other  instances 
of  this  meaning  of  profligo,  cf.  Ann.  XIV.  36 ;  Hist.  II.  4.  Taci- 
tus applies  to  bella  a  word  which  is  more  strictly  applicable  to 
hasten. 

6-18.  Ventum,  sc.  est  ab  iis  =  tohen  they  come.  8.  Jam  vero,  «c. 
est,  then  indeed  it  is  ;  introducing  »  climax  or  important  considera- 
tion. 9.  Superstitem  is  here  followed  by  the  dative ;  in  chapter 
6,  it  was  followed  by  the  genitive.  11.  Sacramentum,  solemn 
obligation.  Sacramentum  was  also  the  oath  of  allegiance  taken 


152  NOTES. 

Page 

23  by   the   Roman    soldiers.     13.   Torpeat,  becomes   inactive.     What 
does  the  use  of  the  present  subjunctive  imply?     A.  &  S.  §  261,  2; 
H.  504;  B.  1265;  A.  59,  4,  b;  G.  598.     15.  Aliquod.    Why   not 
aliquid  ?    A.  &  S.  §  138,  2,  (b)  ;   H.    191,  II.  1 ;  15.  251  ;   G.  105,  1. 
16.  Ancipitia,  damjei-s,  the  perils  of  war.     18.  Exigunt,  they  de- 
mand, i.  e.  strive  to  win.     Ilium  —  illam  point  to  the  well  recog- 
nized rewards  of  valor.     When  emphatic,  ills  is  often  placed  after 
the  noun,  unless  accompanied  by  an  adjective. 

20-28,  Quamquara  —  apparatus,  entertainments  though  inele- 
gant yet  plentiful.  Apparatus  however  refers  rather  to  the  general 
appointments  and  style  of  the  banquet,  than  to  the  banquet  itself. 
21.  Cedunt,  go,  i.  e.  are  taken.  22.  Arare  persuaseris.  The  in- 
finitive with  persuadeo  is  more  usual  in  poetry,  and  in  the  prose 
of  the  silver  age.  23.  Annum  =  the  produce  of  the  year.  Persua- 
seris, will  you  persuade  them ;  subjunct.  of  modest  or  cautious 
statement  (or,  of  implied  condition ;  or,  potential  subjunctive).  A. 
&  S.  §  260,  II.,  Rem.  4;  H.  486,  I.;  B.  1177-9;  A.  60,  2,  b ,•  G. 
602.  24,  Vocare  =»  provocare,  to  challenge.  Poetice.  Mereri,  to 
win,  by  valor;  "to  win  honorable  scars."  Quill  immo,  nay  more. 
Immo  gives  emphasis,  and  puts  something  stronger  in  place  of 
what  has  been  said.  A.  A  S.  §  191,  Rem.  3;  Z.  g  277,  in  fin. 
Pigrum  et  iners,  tame  and  spiritless.  25.  Possis,  potential  sub- 
junctive. 27.  Multum  venatibus.  All  the  MSS.  have  won  multum, 
which  is  inconsistent  with  the  general  description  of  German  life, 
as  given  by  Tacitus,  and  is  in  direct  contradiction  of  what  Caesar 
says,  B.  G.  VI.  21.  Many  editors  accordingly  reject  non. 

24  1-11.  Fortissimus  quisque,  all  the  bravest.   See  A.  &  S.  $  207, 
Rem.   35    (6);  11.458,1;  B.   1052;  A.  17,  5,  c;  G.   305.     So   in 
line  3.  infirmissimo  cuique.     2.  Domus,  genitive.    Penatium, 
i.  e.  of  the  household,  domestic  arrangements.     Agrorum.    In  some 
parts  of  Germany  the  severest  agricultural  labors  are  still  per- 
formed by  women.     3.  Ipsi,  ?'.  e.  viri.     4.  Hebent,   lounge  about. 
Diversitate,  contrariety,  contradiction.     5.  Oderint.    Why  the  per- 
fect, while  ament  is  present?     A.  &  S.  §  183,  Note  3;  H.  297,  I., 
2;  B.  436;  A.  38,  1,  b,  Note;  G.  190,    5.     6.  Conferre,  to  bestow. 
Armentorum,  partitive  genitive,  without  a  governing  word  ex- 
pressed.     We   may    supply    aliquid.      9.    Singulis,    individuals, 
whether  officials  or  private  citizens.     10.  Publice,  )'n   the  name  of 
the  ntnte.    11.  Jam  goes  with  docuimus.     Accipere,  »c.  eos ;  i.  e. 
instead  of  using  the  sword  like  our  fathers,  we  have  begun  to  pay 
the  Germans  for  leaving  us  unmolested  in  our  luxury. 


GERMANIA.  163 


12-18.  Germanorum  populis,  by  the  tribes  of  the  Germans;  24 
populis  being  dative  of  the  agent,  instead  of  the  usual  prose  con- 
struction of  a  or  ab  with  the  ablative.  13.  Satis,  quite.  Tacitus 
uses  the  word  urbes  in  its  larger  sense,  as  distinguished  from  vicus 
and  oppidum.  Pati,  sc,  eos.  Inter  se  —  together,  to  one  another. 
14.  Colunt  =  incolunt.  Discreti  ac  diversi,  separate  and  scattered 
about,  without  regard  to  order  or  regularity.  TJt  tons.  "  Hence  to 
this  day,  the  names  of  German  towns  often  end  in  bach  (brook), 
feld  (field),  holz  (grove),  wald  (wood),  born  (spring)."  T.  16.  Con- 
nexis  —  cohaerentibus,  with  connected  (as  by  fences,  hedges,  etc.) 
and  contiguous  (by  close  contact).  18.  Remedium,  accusative  in 
apposition  with  the  preceding  sentence.  "Sometimes  an  accu- 
sative stands  in  apposition  with  a  whole  preceding  sentence."  G. 
323.  Inscitia,  from  ignorance;  ablative  of  cause. 

19-28.  Materia,  timber,  wood  for  building.  20.  Citra,  lit.  on 
this  side  of ;  short  of ;  hence  =  sine,  without.  Speciem  aut  delec- 
tationem,  elegance  or  attractiveness.  21.  Loca,  the  walls.  Terra 
ita  pura,  of  which  nothing  is  certainly  known.  Some  have  sup- 
posed that  it  wag  a  kind  of  red  earth  or  chalk.  22.  Tit  —  imi- 
tetur,  that  it  resembles  painting  and  delineations  in  colors.  Pictura 
is  simply  painting  (in  one  color).  Tacitus  doubtless  had  in  mind 
the  ornamentation  of  the  walls  of  Roman  houses  customary  in  his 
time.  23.  Solent  —  aperire,  i.  e.  the  more  remote  and  less  civil- 
ized tribes.  Aperire  =  fodere.  24.  Insuper,  above.  Kritz 
thinks  it  may  mean  moreover.  Suffugium,  See  note  on  reme- 
dium,  line  18,  above.  Hiemi,  from  winter;  the  dative  here  de- 
pends on  a  noun,  suffugium,  a  shelter.  25.  Ejus  modi,  such  ;  lit. 
of  this  kind,  modi  being  a  genitive  of  quality.  26.  Aperta,  sc. 
loca.  27.  Populatur,  »c.  hostis.  Abdita  —  defossa  (sc.  loca),  but 

their  hidden  retreats  and  their  caves.      28.  Eo  —  fallunt,  they  escape 
notice  from  the  eery  fact.     Eo  is  ablat.  of  cnuse. 

1-13.  Omnibus  sagum,  sc.  est.  The  sagnm  covered  the  back  £5 
and  shoulders  ;  it  was  worn  by  the  Roman  soldiers  and  peasants. 
2.  Cetera  intecti,  lit.,  uncovered  as  to  the  other  parts  of  the  body; 
cetera  being  accusative  of  specification.  A.  &  S.  §  234,  II.;  H. 
380;  B.  728;  A.  52,  3;  G.  332.  Dies,  accusative  of  duration  of 
time.  4.  Fluitante,  flowing  loosely.  Sicut  Sarmatae,  sc.  distin- 
guuntur.  Stricta — exprimente,  tight  and  exhibiting  each  limb. 
The  garment  referred  to  was  of  course  worn  beneath  the  sagum, 
extending  below  it.  6.  Ripae,  sc.  Rheni.  Negligenter,  because 
intercourse  with  the  Romans  supplied  them  with  other  clothing 


154  NOTES. 

Page 

25  also.  Exquisitius,  more  elegantly,  nicely ;  because  skins  were 
their  only  clothing.  7.  Ut  quibus,  sc.  sit,  inatutuek  fig  they  have  ; 
a  relative  clause  expressing  a  reason,  the  relative  at  the  same  time 
being  strengthened  by  ut.  A.  &  S.  §  264,  8,  (2) ;  H.  519,  3,  1) ;  B. 
1253 ;  A.  65,  2,  e  ;  G.  636.  Cultus,  refinement,  the  elegancies  of 
civilized  life.  8.  Maculis  pellibusque,  i.  e.  spots  made  of  the 
skins  of  wild  animals,  and  fastened  on  for  the  sake  of  variety.  S. 
A  hcndiadys.  9.  Exterior  ooeanus,  the  German  ocean ;  ignotum 
mare,  "  the  unknown  sea "  is  the  Baltic.  10.  Habitus,  drexs, 
attire.  12.  Variant,  they  diversify.  13.  Brachia.  accusative  of 
specification.  Bracbium  extended  from  the  hand  to  the  elbow ; 
lacertus,  from  the  elbow  to  the  shoulder. 

14-18.  Quamquam,  althonyh,  i.  e.  notwithstanding  the  style  of 
dress.  15.  Laudaveris,  will  you  praise,-  perfect  subjunctive.  A. 
&  S.  g  260,  II.,  Hem.  4;-H.  486,  I.;  B.  1177-9;  A.  60,  2,  o/  G. 
602.  16.  Barbarorum,  among  barbarians;  partitive  genitive. 
Singulis.  Notice  the  force  of  the  distributive;  "  one  wife  each." 
17.  Qui  non  —  ambiuntur,  who  (have  several  wives)  not  from  lust, 
but  on  account  of  their  nobility  are  invited  to  several  marriages. 
Nuptiis  is  dative  of  the  end  or  object.  All  the  MSS.  have  pluri- 
mis  nnptiis.  But,  with  Halm  and  Kritz,  we  prefer  pliiribnv,  which 
forms  a  better  contrast  with  singnlis,  Ariovistus  had  but  two 
wives.  Ambiuntur,  sc.  a  virginum  parentibus  aut  propin- 
quis.  K. 

22-28.  Delicias  muliebres,  the  mere  delight  of  the  women;  "the 
fastidious  tastes  of  women."  23.  Nee  quibus  —  nee  taliautiis; 
hence  comatur  is  subjunctive  of  purpose.  A.  &  S.  §  264,  5;  H. 
500;  B.  1205-7;  A.  64,  1;  G.  632.  Nupta, 'bride.  24.  In  haeo 
munera.  These  words  are  generally  interpreted,  on  condition  of 
these  gifts.  To  us  they  seem  rather  to  mean,  to  the  symbolism  (or 
purport)  of  these  gifts  ;  or  simply  into  these  gifts,  i.  e.  their  signifi- 
cance; maintenance  and  protection.  26.  Haeo  —  sacra,  these  are 
their  mystic  rites,  which,  though  the  eye  may  see,  the  mind  must 
interpret  and  the  soul  feel.  Tacitus  doubtless  had  in  mind  here 
the  most  solemn  kind  of  Roman  marriage,  called  confarreatio. 
27.  Conjugales  deos.  The  Romans  had  quite  a  number  of  gods  of 
marriage;  e.  g.  Jupiter,  Juno,  Diana,  Hymenacus,  Venus,  and 
others  of  less  note.  28.  Extra  —  COgitationeS,  beyond  aspirations 
after  mnnli/  qualities. 

2Q  1-13.  Bellorum  casus  —  incipientis  forms  a  hexameter  verse.  S. 
3.  Idem,  «c.  quod  vir  suus  vel  patitur  vel  audet.  Passuram.  The 


GERM  AN  I  A.  155 

Page 

future  participle  here  denotes  purpose  or  destiny.  5.  Denuntiant,  26 
declare,  proclaim.  Sic  vivendum,  sc.  esse  sibi,  that  thus  she  mutt 
live.  Accipere  se,  that  she  receives,  depends  on  denuntiant.  6. 
Quae,  sc.  ea ;  referring,  as  Kritz  remarks,  not  to  the  gifts,  but 
rather  to  the  duties  and  dutiful  spirit  signified  in  the  gifts.  Quae 
reddat=  ut  ea  reddat.  A.  <t  S.  g  264,  5  ;  H.  500;  B.  1205-7;  A. 
64,  1 ;  G.  632 ;  which  she  is  to  hand  over.  7.  Accipiant,  i.  e.  from 
her  sons.  Beferantur,  sc.  quae,  which  are  to  be  transmitted.  8. 
Septa.  One  MS.  has  septae.  With  chastity  guarded,  by  the  sacred- 
ness  of  marriage  and  the  moral  obligations  implied  in  the  bridal 
gifts.  Spectaculorum  refers  to  the  corrupt  influences  of  the  Ro- 
man shows  and  exhibitions.  9.  Conviviorum.  Cf.  Nepos  Pref. : 
Quern  enim  Komanorum  pudet  uxorem  ducere  in  convivium?  10. 
Litterarum  secreta.  By  "  the  secrets  of  letters "  Tacitus  must 
mean  secret  correspondence,  clandestine  love  letters  ;  "quibus  illicit! 
amores  juvabantur."  K.  This  view,  indeed,  is  made  necessary  by 
the  context.  12.  Fraesens,  immediate.  13.  Abscisis,  from  abscido. 
Some  MSS.  have  ace  its  is. 

14-28.  Publicatae  =  vulgatae,  prostituted.  15.  Pudicitiae  is 
dative  of  the  possessor,  sc.  est.  Non  forma,  neither  by  her  beauty. 
16.  Invenerit,  teill  she  find ;  perf.  subjunctive  of  cautious  state- 
ment. A.  &  S.  I  260,  II.,  Hem.  4;  H.  486,  I.;  B.  1177-9;  A.  60, 
2,  a;  G.  602.  Nemo  —  vocatur.  Tacitus  seems  here,  like  an  un- 
compromising censor,  to  epitomize  the  whole  depraved  life  of  the 
fashionable  Rome  of  his  day.  17.  Saeculum,  the  spirit  of  the  age. 

18.  Melius — adhuc,  still  better  indeed;  adhuc  here  =  etiam  of 
the  Augustan  period.    See  Lex.    Eae  civitates,  «c.  agunt  or  sunt. 

19.  Tantum  virgines,  and  not  widows ;  i.  e.  where  there  are  no 
second  or  subsequent  marriages,  or  where  the  wife,  on  the  death 
of  her  husband,  put  an  end  to  her  own  life.     20.  Semel  transi- 
gitur,  the  bnsiuem  is  once  for  all  concluded  ;  with  no  hope  or  wish 
fur  its  repetition.    21.  Ne  —  ultra,  »<•.  sit.     22.  Longior,  a  more 
distant,  outreaching  the  first  union.     23.  Numenim  —  flnire  (to 
limit),    in    an    unnatural  way  either   before   or   after   birth.     24. 
Agnatis,  additional  children,  born  after  the  father  had  made  his 
will.     Agiiati  are   kinsmen   by  the  father's  side,  and  include  the 
regular  line  of  his  descendants.     27.  Nodi,  iliylitly  clad;  as  the 
word  often  means.     Sordid!  must  also  refer  to  clothing  =  meanly 
d«d ;  since  in  chap.  22  the  Germans  are  said  to  bathe  every  day. 
28.    Quae    miramur,  on   account  of  their   great   size.     Sua,  his 
own. 


156  NOTES. 

Page 

27  1-17.  ITberibus  =  at  the  breast.  Nee  —  delegantur.  Cf.  Dial, 
de  Orat.  c.  29.  2.  Educationis,  in  the  physical  sense  of  being 
reared.  3.  Deliciis,  amenities.  Dignoscas,  potential  subjunctive. 
A.  &  S.  f  260,  II.,  Rem.  4;  H.  486,  L;  B.  1177;  A.  60,  2,  a;  G. 
602.  4.  Aetas,  i.  e.  until  both  have  grown  up.  Separet.  Subjunc- 
tive after  donee,  because  the  attainment  of  the  result  is  viewed  as 
held  in  suspense.  A.  A  S.  §  263,  4-;  H.  522,  I. ;  B.  1240 ;  A.  62,  3, 
d;  G.  573  and  574;  Z.  g  575.  Virtus,  valor;  agnoscat,  recog- 
nizes them  ;  until  the  achievement  of  some  deed  of  valor  classes 
them  among  the  brave.  5.  Venus  —  concubitus ;  the  sexual  con- 
gress. Cf.  Caes.  B.  G.  VI.  21.  Eoque,  and  for  this  reason  ;  eo 
being  ablative  of  cause.  6.  Festinantur  =  are  hurried  into  mar- 
riayc.  Eadem  juventa,  «c.  est  virginibus  atque  juvenibus;  youth 
is  not  wedded  to  age.  7.  Miscentur  =are  wedded,  sc.  "cum 
juvenibus  maritis."  K.  8.  Beferunt,  reproduce;  and  hence  re- 
semble. 9.  Honor,  regard,  consideration.  10.  Hunc  nexum,  >.  e. 
of  sisters'  sons.  11.  Exigunt,  s<\  sororum  filios.  Tamquam  =  on 
the  ground  that.  12.  Teneant,  subjunctive  in  oritlio  obliqua,  be- 
cause representing  the  view  of  others  than  the  writer.  13.  Cuique 
liberi,  each  man's  children.  15.  Quanto  —  quo  —  tanto  =  the  — 
the  —  the;  ablatives  of  degree  of  difference.  Notice  that  patrui 
are  paternal  uncles;  avunculi,  maternal  uncles  ;  propinqui,  blood 
relations;  affines,  relations  by  marriage.  16.  Gratiosior  senec- 
tus.  While  the  death  of  a  wealthy  parent  was  often  impatiently 
waited  for  by  the  corrupt  Roman ;  and  the  childless  old  man  of 
wealth  was  sure  to  be  fawned  upon  by  a  crowd  of  expectant 
flatterers.  17.  Orbitatis,  of  childlessness.  Fretia,  advantages,  sc. 
sunt. 

18-28.  Suscipere,  to  take  tip  and  make  them  one's  own.  Tarn  — 
quam,  as  veil — as.  20.  Durant,  sc.  Gertuani.  Armentorum, 
of  large  cattle.  21.  Recipit  —  domUS,  the  whole  house  receives  satis- 
faction ;  i.  e.  on  the  payment  of  the  fine,  all  the  relatives  of  the 
murdered  man  lay  aside  their  enmity,  and  that  feud  ceases.  22. 
Publicum,  the  general  public.  23.  Juxta  libertatem,  in  con- 
nection with  freedom ;  i.  e.  in  a  free  state,  where  the  individual 
will  is  less  coerced  by  law.  24.  Convictibus,  in  the  case  of  friends 
and  neighbors ;  hospitiis,  in  the  case  of  strangers.  Effusius, 
more  extensively.  Cf.  Caes.  B.  G.  VI.  23.  26.  Pro  fortuna,  accord- 
ing to  his  means.  Apparatis,  with  well  furnished.  Excipit,  enter- 
tains. 27.  Cum  defecere,  sc.  epulae.  Modo,  but  just  now. 
Hospes,  here  the  .host.  Monstrator  hospitii,  i.  e.  he  shows  him 


GERMANIA.  157 

Page 

a  neighbor's  house  where  he  can  be  entertained,  and  goes  there  27 
himself,  comes.     28.  Non  invitati,  f.  e.  without  being  invited. 

1-6.  Nee  interest,  i.  e.  whether  they  are  invited  or  not.  Pari  28 
humanitate,  with  the  same  kindness,  as  if  they  had  been  specially 
invited.  2.  Quantum  —  hospitis,  as  far  as  concerns  the  right  of 
the  guest  to  hospitality.  Cf.  Agric.  44.  3.  Moris,  sc.  est,  it  is  cus- 
tomary ;  predicate  genitive  of  quality.  A.  &  S.  g  211,  Hem.  8  (3), 
(a);  H.  401  and  402,  I.;  B.  780;  A.  50,  1,  c;  G.  365.  4.  Facili- 
tas,  freedom.  5.  Nee  imputant,  lit.,  they  neither  charge  to  one's 
account;  they  neither  regard  as  an  obligation.  6.  VictUS  —  comis, 
the  wanner  of  life  between  hosts  and  guests  is  courteous  ;  though  in 
the  absence  of  strangers,  and  among  themselves,  they  may  be 
quarrelsome,  as-we  learn  in  the  next  chapter. 

7-18.  "  Every  German  usage  noticed  in  this  chapter  is  in  pointed 
contrast  with  Roman  habits."  E  —  immediately  after.  In  diem, 
till  dayliijht.  8.  Lavantur,  they  wash  themselves,  bathe :  clearly 
with  the  force  of  a  Greek  middle  verb.  Calida,  sc.  aqua.  Tit  apud 
qviOB  — since  among  them;  a  relative  clause  assigning  a  reason,  in 
which  the  verb  is  generally  in  the  subjunctive,  especially  when  the 
relative  is  strengthened  by  ut,  quippe,  etc.  Plurimum  =  most  of 
the  year.  9.  Singulis  sedes,  sc.  sunt,  each  one  has,  etc.  12.  Nulli 
probrum,  sc.  est.  13.  Tit  inter  vinolentos,  sc.  fieri  solet,  as  hap- 
pens, etc.  15.  In  vicem,  mutually.  Jungendis,  contracting.  16. 
Asciscendis,  admitting,  i.  e.  electing.  17.  Nullo,  fit  no  other.  18. 
Simplices,  undisguised.  Magis  pateat,  is  more  open. 

19-28.  Astuta  —  callida.  Men  are  astuti  (cunning)  by  nature; 
callidi  (shrewd)  by  experience.  See  Hill,  pp.  119-122.  20. 
Adhuc,  still,  to  this  day.  Licentia,  I'M  the  freedom.  21.  Detecta 
—  mens,  sc.  est.  Retractatur  =  tlie  matter  is  again  discussed  ;  the 
negotiation  is  renewed;  impersonally.  22.  Salva  —  est,  the  ac- 
count of  both  occasions  is  safe;  a  business  phrase:  "  sa/va  ratio  is 
properly  used  when  the  debtor  and  creditor  sides  of  an  account 
balance  one  another."  S.  The  thought  is  still  farther  expanded 
in  the  words  deliberant  —  possunt.  Truth  is  elicited  at  the  enter- 
tainment; and  sober  second  thought  guides  to  the  proper  use  of  it. 
25.  Fotui  humor,  sc.  est  iis,  they  have  as  a  drink,  etc.  The  refer- 
ence is  to  ale  and  beer,  for  which  the  Romans  had  no  nnme.  Fru- 
mento,  here  wheat.  26.  CorruptUS  only  implies  thnt  if  the  humor 
in  question  were  regarded  as  wine,  it  would  be  very  poor  wine;  it 
might,  at  the  same  time,  be  good  ale  or  beer.  Eipae,  »<•.  Rheni. 
27.  Cibi  simplices,  sc.  sunt.  Poma,  fruits.  Receus  fera,  we 

O 


158  NOTES. 

Page 

28  may  translate  fresh  venison;  properly,  fresh  game  of  any  kind. 
Cf.  Caes.  B.  G.  IV.  1 ;  VI.  22.  28.  Lac  concretum,  curdled  milk, 
curds.  Cf.  Virg.  Georg.  III.  463.  ApparatU,  elegance  of  prepara- 
tion. Blandimentis,  in  genenil,  incentives  to  appetite;  which  may 
be  either  dainties,  delicacies  (K.,  T.),  or  condiments,  season- 
ing (S.). 

on  2-14.  Ebrietati,  dative;  suggerendo,  instrumental  ablative. 
3.  Vitiis  quam  armis.  Illustrations  of  this  statement  are  given 
in  Hist.  IV.  79;  Ann.  I.  50.  6.  Nudi,  slightly  clad,-  as  before, 
and  frequently.  Quibus  —  CSt,  for  whom  it  is  a  sport ;  "  not  whose 
business  it  is  to  furnish  the  amusement:  that  would  be  quorum 
est."  T.  7.  Infestas  =  menacing  ;  pointed  at  them.  8.  Artem, 
skill.  Ars,  KC.  paravit.  Non  in  quaestum,  as  was  the  case  with 
Koman  jugglers  and  mountebanks.  9.  ftuamvis  audacis,  however 
daring  ;  as  daring  as  you  please.  10.  Mirere,  you  may  wonder  atj 
potential  subjunctive.  11.  Inter  seria,  among  their  serious  occupa- 
tions. Gambling,  except  at  the  Saturnalia,  was  forbidden  by 
Roman  laws.  12.  Extreme  ao  novissimo,  with  their  last  and 
final.  The  two  superlatives  greatly  emphasize  the  desperate 
character  of  the  play.  14.  Juvenior  for  junior  is  extremely 
rare. 

15-28.  Venire,  from  veneo.  16.  Ea  =  «»cA;  agreeing  with 
pervicacia.  Prava,  ablative.  Fidem,  honor.  17.  Per  com- 
mercia  tradunt,  they  dispose  of  in  commerce,  i.  e.  to  foreigners,  for 
the  reason  mentioned  in  the  next  clause.  18.  Pudore,  from  the 
disgrace,  i.  e.  of  holding  their  countrymen  as  slaves  on  their  native 
soil.  Exsolvant  =  libcrent.  19.  Ceteris  servis,  captured  in  war, 
etc.  Descriptis  —  ministeriis,  in  services  distributed  among  all 
the  slaves.  Famlliam  is  here  the  whole  body  of  slaves  belonging 
to  one  master.  In  Seeker's  Gallua  we  have  an  account  of  the  mani- 
fold subdivision  of  slave  duties  in  a  large  Roman  household.  20. 
Quisque,  each  slave.  21.  Sedem,  house  and  home;  it  implies  more 
than  domus.  Penates  =  domestic  affairs.  22.  Colono,  a  farmer 
who  rented  the  land  which  he  cultivated.  23.  Hactenus  paret, 
thus  far  is  in  subjection,  i.  e.  to  the  extent  of  paying  to  the  owner 
a  part  of  the  produce.  Domus,  uxor,  liberi,  of  the  master.  24. 
Opere,  with  hard  work.  The  Roman  master  had  absolute  power 
over  his  slaves,  and  often  used  it  with  extreme  severity.  27.  Im- 
pune  est,  i.  e.  to  kill  a  slave.  27.  Liberti,  freedmen.  A  manu- 
mitted slave  was  liber tus  (that  is,  liberatus)  with  reference  to  his 
master;  with  reference  to  the  class  to  which  he  belonged  after 


GERMANIA.  159 


manumission,  he  was  libertinus.    Diet.  Antiqq.     28.  Domo,  i'.  e.  of    29 
their  former  masters. 

1-16.  Quae  regnantur,  which  are  governed  by  kings.  3.  Im-  30 
pares  libertini,  the  inferior  (condition  of  the)  freedmen,  i.  e.  when 
compared  with  the  free  born  and  the  high  born.  Observe  that 
libertini  denotes  the  same  persons  as  liberti  ;  but  a  moment  ago, 
as  Tacitus  was  speaking  of  freedmen  in  their  relations  to  their 
masters,  he  used  liberti  ;  and  speaking  of  them  now  as  a  class  or 
distinct  body,  he  uses  libertini.  Libertatis  argumentum,  a 
proof  of  freedom  ;  because  freemen  valued  their  rights  and  their 
citizenship  too  highly  to  confer  them  on  freedmen.  Freedmen  at 
Rome,  especially  under  the  emperors,  often  acquired  great  wealth 
and  influence,  and  even  posts  of  honor,  to  the  exclusion  of  the 
nobility.  5.  Fenus  agitare  =  <o  exact  interest  for  money  lent. 
Et  —  extendere  (*c.  fenus),  and  to  put  it  (the  interest)  on  interest, 
i.  e.  to  exact  compound  interest.  This  sentence  is  a  difficult  one. 
Commentators,  however,  agree  in  giving  the  explanation  just 
given.  "  When  usnra  and  fenus  appear  in  the  same  sentence,  the 
former  always  suggests  what  is  more  oppressive  to  the  debtor  than 
the  latter."  Hill,  p.  779.  6.  Magis  servatur,  it  (the  practice  of 
not  exacting  interest)  is  more  observed.  We  may  supply  non  fene- 
r«ri  as  subject.  Usury  was  forbidden  at  Rome  by  severe  laws,  but 
Tacitus  has  already  said  of  the  Germans,  "plus  ibi  boni  mores 
fulfill  qunni  alibi  bonne  leges."  7.  Pro,  in  proportion  to.  TTni- 
versis,  entire  bodies  of  the  people,  communities,  clans,  or  tribes. 
For  in  vices  (by  turns),  one  MS.  has  vicis  (villages),  which  Kritz 
adopts.  Cf.  Caes.  B.  G.  VI.  22.  10.  Per  annos  —  ecery  year, 
annually.  Arva,  agri,  camporum,  terrae,  soli,  all  occur  in  this 
chapter.  Terra  is  opposed  to  mure  and  cuelum  ;  solum  is  the  solid 
ground,  the  soil;  campus  is  a  plain  or  field;  ager  is  properly  the 
territory  round  a  city ;  arvum  is  ploughed  land  (from  aro,  to 
plough).  S.,  T.  11.  Cum  —  contendunt,  i.  e.  they  do  not  strive 
by  their  labor  to  call  forth  all  the  capabilities  of  their  extensive 
and  fertile  land.  13.  Imperatur,  is  imposed,  is  required.  14.  In 
totidem,  i.  e.  as  the  Romans.  Species,  kinds,  i.  e.  seasons.  16. 
Autumni.  "Accordingly  in  English,  spring,  summer,  and  winter, 
are  Saxon  words,  while  autumn  is  of  Latin  origin."  T.  Boiia,  the 
blessings,  the  advantages. 

17-29.  Ambitio,  ostentations  display.  At  Rome  funerals  were 
often  conducted  with  great  magnificence.  19.  Struem  rogi  =  t&e 
funeral  pile.  20.  Quorundam,  i.  e.  of  the  chiefs.  Rude  nations 


160  NOTES. 

Page 

30  generally  believe  that  their  needs  and  occupations  after  death  wilt 
be  the  same  as  in  this  life.     21.  Sepulcrum  — erigit,  a  turf  trects 
a  tomb,  instead  of   "  sepulcrum  caespite  erigitur."     K.     Arduum, 
lofty.     22.  Gravem,  pressing  heavily  on;  "  pondere  suo  ac  mole 
defunctos   prementem."    K.     Compare   with   this   the   expression 
found  in  epitaphs,  "  sit  tibi  terra  levis."    24.   Feminis  —  memi- 
nisse.    Compare  Seneca,  Ep.  100,  Vir  prudens  meminisse  perse- 
veret,  lugere  desinat.     26.    In  commune,   in  general,  generally. 
27.   Instituta,  the  usages,  civil  and  military  ;  ritus,   the  rites  or 
ceremonies  of  religion.     29.  Gallias.    See  note  on  line  9,  page  17. 

31  1-8.    Though   critics,   geographers,    and    ethnographers,    have 
endeavored  to  define  the  precise  locality  of  the  several   German 
tribes  mentioned  by  Tacitus  in  the  following  chapters,  their  labors 
have  been  attended  with  unsatisfactory,  and  even  contradictory 
results.     Indeed,  little  else  was  scarcely  to  be  expected  from  the 
roving  and  unsettled  character  of  these  tribes.     A  few  years  suf- 
ficed to  introduce  great  changes  in  their  relative  positions.     To 
follow  them  in  their  movements,  and  to  identify  and  localize  them 
at  every  step,  would  be  as  difficult  as  to  trace  the  ever-shifting 
objects  of  a  kaleidoscope.     The  accounts  of  ancient  geographers, 
both  Greek  and  Latin,  are  confused  and  contradictory,  and  modern 
writers  have  only  partly  succeeded  in  extricating  the  subject  from 
the  maze  in  which  they  found  it.     1.  Validiores.    Cf.  Caes.  B.  G. 
VI.  24.     Summus  auotor,  «  very  high  authority  ;  not,  a  very  great 
author;  as  the  reference  is  to  Caesar's  credibility  as  a  writer.     2. 
Divus,    the   divine,    the    deified.      As   previously    remarked,    this 
epithet  was  applied  to  deceased  Roman  emperors  after  the  death 
of  Augustus.     Eo,  therefore;  ablative  of  cause.     4.  Amnis,  »'.  e.. 
llhctius.     Quo    minus    OCCUparet  =  its  taking  possession  off  lit. 
that  it  should  the  less  occupy.     5.  Permutaret,  i.  e.  take  in  ex- 
change for  their  previous  abodes.     Proiniscuas  =  unclaimed,  open 
to  the  first  coiner.     6.  Nulla  —  divisas  (apportioned),  i.  e.  not  ap- 
portioned  among   regularly  constituted   kingdoms.     Hercyniam 
silvam,  a  range  of  mountains  and  forests  in  Germany,  the  extent 
and  situation  of  which  are  described  very  differently  by  the  writers 
of  different  ages.     At  a  later  period,  when  the  mountains  of  Ger- 
many had  become  better  known  to  the  Romans,  the  name  Hercynia 
Silva  was  applied  to  the  more  limited  range  of  mountains  extend- 
ing around  Bohemia,  and  through  Moravia  and  Hungary.    Diet. 
Geog.    7.  Moenum,  the  Main.    8.  Ulteriora,  sc.  loca,  the  district 
beyond. 


GERMANIA.  161 

Page 

9-28.  Boihaemi  (Boihemi,  Boiohemi,  etc.),  of  Boihaemum;  31 
genitive  probably,  from  Boihaemum  ;  though  some  consider  the 
word  in  the  plural  here,  meaning  the  people;  from  Boii  and  heim, 
"the  home  of  the  Boii;"  whence  the  name  Bohemia.  10.  Me- 
moriam,  tradition.  11.  Germanorum  natione,  »'.  «.  their  present 
situation  is  among  the  Germans.  In  chapter  43,  Tacitus  concludes 
from  their  use  of  the  Pannonian  language  that  they  were  not  Ger- 
man. 13.  Eodem,  as  the  Aravisei.  14.  Pari  —  erant,  the  ad- 
vantages and  disadvantages  of  either  bank  were  formerly  in  equal 
freedom  and  in  equal  poverty.  Both  banks  had  the  same  ad- 
vantages in  respect  to  freedom,  and  the  same  disadvantages  in 
respect  to  poverty.  15.  Utriusque  ripae,  of  the  Danube ;  on  the 
right  bank  of  which  were  the  Aravisei,  and  on  the  left  the  Osi. 
16.  Circa,  in  respect  to,  in.  This  meaning  and  use  of  the  word  are 
post-Augustan.  Ultro,  actually,  really.  19.  Hand  dubie  =  un- 
doubtedly ;  modifying  Germanorum  populi.  21.  Meruerint, 
deserved,  earned  by  their  long  services  to  the  Roman  people.  "  In 
later  Latin  quamvis  and  quamquam  change  parts.  In  Tacitus, 
for  instance,  quamquam  regularly  has  the  subjunctive."  A.  &  S. 
§  263,  2,  (4);  H.  516,  L,  2;  B.  1235;  G.  608,  Rem.  1 ;  Z.  §  574. 
Note.  22.  Agrippinenses,  from  Agrippina,  wife  of  the  emperor 
Claudius.  Cf.  Ann.  XII.  27.  Sui  agrees  with  conditoris  in  the 
masculine,  though  the  latter  refers  to  Agrippina.  23.  Experi- 
xnento,  on  proof,  in  consequence  of  the  proof;  ablat.  of  cause. 
Super,  on.  24.  Arcerent,  sc.  foes,  transrhenanos.  26.  Gentium, 
partitive  genitive  limiting  praecipui,  distinguished  (among).  27. 
Non —  ripa,  not  much  of  the  bank,  i.  e.  a  small  portion  of  the 
bank.  28.  Seditione,  ablative  of  cause,  on  account  of,  etc. 

2-12.  Fierent,  subjunct.  in  a  relative  clause  expressing  a  result,  qo 
in  quibus=i«  in  Us.  A.  A  S.  §  264,  1;  H.  500;  B.  1218;  A.  65, 
2 ;  G.  633  ;  Z.  §  556.  3.  Insigne,  the  badge ;  that  mentioned  in 
the  following  sentence.  4.  Publicanus,  the  ta.r  collector,  the  farmer 
of  the  revenues.  The  revenues  which  Rome  derived  from  conquered 
countries  were  let  out,  or,  as  the  Romans  expressed  it,  were  sold 
by  the  censors  in  Rome  itself  to  the  highest  bidder.  The  farming 
of  the  revenues  was  almost  exclusively  in  the  hands  of  the  equites 
or  wealthy  equestrian  order.  Diet.  Antiqq.  Atterit  =  (does)  im- 
poverish them.  The  word  forcibly  reminds  us  of  that  grinding 
extortion  for  which  the  Roman  tax-gatherer  was  too  often  notori- 
ous. Oneribus,  the  ordinary  taxes ;  collationibus,  extraordinary 
contributions  and  gratuities.  6.  Obsequio,  allegiance,  obedience. 
11  —  Tac.  O  2 


162  NOTES. 

Page 

32  9-  ^n  sna  ripai  *•  c-  *n  patria  terra.    K.     10.  Cetera,  fn  other  re- 
spects ;  accus.  of  specification.     11.  Adhuc,  yet,  still ;  to  be  taken 
with  ipso  solo  and  caelo.    12.  Acrius  animantur,  they  are  roused 
to  a  fiercer  courage. 

13-28.  Non  numeraverim,  I  shall,  not  number,  may  not  number; 
subjunctive  of  doubtful  affirmation,  or  of  cautious  statement  (poten- 
tial subjunctive).  14.  Quamquam  consederint.  See  note  and 
references,  line  21,  page  31.  15.  Decimates  agios,  tithe-lands. 
The  Romans  very  commonly  exacted  a  tithe  from  those  who  occu- 
pied the  public  lands.  Such  lands  are  usually  called  decitmani ; 
but  Tacitus  employs  a  new  word  here,  because  the  lands  in  question 
did  not  form  a  distinct  province,  but  were  an  appendage  to  Upper 
Germany.  S.  Exercent  =  colunt.  Levissimus  —  audax,  all  the 
most  restless  of  the  Gauls  and  daring  poverty.  17.  Limite  acto,  the 
boundary  line  having  been  drawn  (established).  18.  Sinus  im- 
peril, the  projecting  frontier  of  the  empire.  20.  Effusis,  extensive, 
spread  out  into  a  broad  surface.  21.  Durant  —  rarescunt,  if  the 
hills  do  indeed  continue  (i.  e.  a  considerable  distance),  they  gradu- 
ally become  fewer.  Such  seems  to  us  to  be  the  meaning  of  this 
vexed  passage.  Tacitus  has  just  said  in  effect,  that  the  country  of 
the  Chatti,  beginning  with  the  Hercynian  forest,  is  more  hilly  than 
those  of  other  German  tribes;  and  as  he  is  following  the  direction 
of  the  Chatti  (and  not  of  the  hills),  he  adds  that  though  the  hills 
do  indeed  continue,  yet  they  gradually  become  fewer  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Chatti ;  and  finally  et  Chatti  —  deponit,  and  the  Her- 
cynian forest  at  once  accompanies  and  leaves  behind  (lit.  sets  down) 
its  Ohatti.  The  hills  leave  the  Chatti  behind  by  changing  their 
direction.  The  reading  and  punctuation  of  the  passage  is  different 
in  different  editions.  The  expression  et  Chattos  —  deponit  is 
beautifully  bold  and  poetic.  24.  Stricti,  compact,  close-knit.  25. 
Ut  inter  Germanos  =for  Germans,  considering  they  are  Germans. 
26.  Rationis,  of  system,  method.  Praeponere.  This  and  the  other 
infinitives  are  in  apposition  with  multum  —  sollertiae ;  to  place 
over  themselves  chosen  men.  Audire,  to  obey.  27.  Ordiaes,  ranks, 
military  ranks  and  discipline  in  battle.  28.  Disponere,  to  dis- 
tribute the  labors  or  duties  of;  to  portion  off.  Vallare  noctem,  to 
fortify  the  night,  i.  e.  against  attack  at  night.  The  expression  is 
figurative  and  poetical. 

33  1-9-  Quodque  =  et  quod,  and  what ;  so.  est.    2.  Neo  niii  con- 
Cessum,  lit.  and  not  granted  except  =  and  granted  only.     For  Ro- 
manae,  which  has  good  MS.  authority,  some  editors  read  ratione> 


GERMANIA.  163 


4.  Super,  besides.  Ferramentis,  with  iron  tools,  axes,  spades,  pick-  33 
axes,  etc.  5.  Copiis,  with  provisions.  Proelium,  a  battle,  a  single 
engagement;  ad  bollum,  to  war,  a  series  of  battles.  Videas,  you 
may  see  ;  potential  subjunctive,  with  the  imaginary  second  person 
(called  by  others,  subjunctive  of  implied  condition,  sc.  if  you  will). 
A.  &  S.  g  261,  2,  Rem.  2,  and  Rem.  4;  H.  485;  B.  1177;  A.  60,  2, 
ay  G.  g  250.  6.  Fortuita  pugna,  sc.  est  rara,  which,  however,  is 
implied  in  the  preceding  rari.  Equestrium —  cedere,  a  general 
remark  on  cavalry  engagements,  and,  therefore,  not  applicable  to 
the  Chatti,  who  had  no  cavalry :  (for)  this  i»  certainly  characteristic 
of  cavalry  forces,  etc.  8.  Velocitas  applies  to  cavalry,  cunctatio 
to  infantry.  Juxta  formidinem,  (it)  akin  to  fear  ;  because  it  may 
avoid  danger  by  running  away.  9.  Constantiae,  to  firmness,  steady 
courage. 

10-16.  Et  aliis  —  raro,  and  what  is  rarely  practised  by  other 
tribes  of  Germans.  Populis,  dat.  of  the  agent  after  the  participle 
usurpatum,  which  is  the  subject  of  vertit.  11.  Privata  —  au- 
dentia,  by  the  individual  boldness  of  each.  In  consensum,  into  a 
custom.  12.  Ut  primum,  a*  soon  as.  The  subjunctive  adoleverint 
refers  the  thought  to  the  Chatti  (oratio  obliqua).  13.  Submitters, 
to  let  grow,  =  promittere.  Votivum  —  habitum,  the  habit  of  the 
face  vowed  and  pledged  to  valor,  i.  e.  the  bearded  face,  which  was 
an  evidence  that  they  had  devoted  themselves  to  valor.  14.  San- 
guinem  et  spolia,  i.  e.  of  a  slain  enemy.  15.  Revelant  frontem, 
they  uncover  the  face  by  removing  beard  and  hair.  16.  Retulisse, 
have  paid  to  their  parents  and  country.  Dignos,  sc.  esse. 

18-28.  Insuper,  moreover,  besides.  19.  Genti,  the  German 
nation  generally.  20.  Hie  habitus,  this  appearance,  wearing  the 
iron  ring.  Placet  and  insignes  imply  that  such  warriors  preferred 
to  continue  wearing  the  ring  evon  after  they  had  been  released 
from  it  by  killing  an  enemy.  21.  Calient.  Notice  the  quantity  of 
the  penult.  Insignes,  wearing  the  badge  of  the  iron  ring.  22. 
Initia,  sc.  sunt.  23.  Acies,  line  of  battle;  they  form  the  first  line. 
Visa  nova,  strange  to  behold ;  visu  is  the  supine,  not  the  noun 
visHs  ;  since  Tacitus  is  speaking  of  the  effect  to  be  produced,  and 
is  not  simply  describing.  How  is  the  supine  in  u  used  ?  A.  &  S. 
§  276,  III. ;  H.  570,  1 ;  B.  1365  ;  A.  74,  2 ;  G.  437,  Rem.  1.  24. 
Mansuesount,  do  they  soften.  Nulli,  t.  e.  of  this  class  of  warriors. 
Domus,  sc.  est.  25.  Aliqua  cura,  i.  e.  in  regard  to  the  means  of 
living.  26.  Alieni  =  o/tc/ict<  belongs  to  another  ;  genitive  limiting 
prodigi.  Sui,  from  suus ;  of  what  is  their  own.  Exsanguis, 


164  NOTES. 

Page 

33  bloodless,  t.  e.  pale,  wan,  and  so  enfeebled.     28.   Order :  Usipi  ac 
Tenoteri,   proximi    Chattis,    colunt    Rhenum    jam   certum    alveo. 
Certum  —  Bhenum,  the  Rhine  now  fixed  (well  defined)  in  its  chan- 
nel; i.  e.  in  this  part  of  its  course  the  channel  is  narrow  and  deep, 
and  is  not  made  irregular  by  islands  and  tributaries.     Rhenum 
for  liheni  ripam, 

34  1~9.  Quique  —  sufficiat,  and  tuck  that  it  suffices  to  be  a  boundary  ; 
i.  e.  the  river  is  too  wide  and  deep  to  admit  of  its  being  easily 
crossed  by  invaders.     Notice  qui  =  talia  ut,  thus  making  sufficiat 
subjunctive  of  result.   A.  &  S.  g  264,  1  (a),  and  (6);  H.  500  and 
501,  I.;  B.  1218;  A.  65,  1 ;  G.  554  and  633  ;  Z.  558.    4.  Tencteris 
=  aptid  Tencteros,  which  would  be  more  regular.     It  may  be  called 
a  dative  of  advantage.     5.  Hi  lusus  (sunt),  these  are  the  sports ; 
i.  e.  equestrian  exercises.     Kritz  explains  thus :  cquuleis  ex  ligno 
factis   (infantium)    insidentiuui    eosque    exercentium.      7.    Inter 
familiam,  among  the  slaves.     The  idea  is,  among  several  things  to 
be  inherited,  horses  are   specially  included.     Fenates,  the  home- 
stead.   T.     Jura  successionum,  rights  of  succession,  rights  acquired 
by  succession;  "heirlooms."    T.     This  seems  to  be  the  sense  re- 
quired here  by  the  context,  though  Kritz  explains  the  expression 
to  mean  regulations  pertaining  to  inheritances;  " constitutiones  de 
adeunda  hereditate."     8.  Excipit — melior,  the  eldest  son  inherits 
(the  horses),  not  as  (he  inherits)  the  other  property,  but  according 
as  lie  is  high-spirited  and  superior  in  war ;  i.  e.  though  the  other 
property  is  inherited  by  the  eldest  son,  the  horses  become  the  in- 
heritance of  that  son  who  is  the  best  warrior,  whether  the  eldest 
or  not. 

12-20.  Consensu,  by  a  coalition.  13.  Odio,  from  hatred  ;  ablat. 
of  cause.  14.  Nam  —  invidere  («c.  nobis),  they  (the  gods)  did  not 
grudge  us  even  in  the  spectacle  of  the  battle,  but  wrought  the 
slaughter  of  our  enemies  by  their  own  hands.  Spectaculo  is  suf- 
ficiently explained  as  an  ablat.  of  specification.  15.  Super,  more 
than,  above.  17.  Oblectationi  oculisque,  a  hendiadys  for  oblec- 
tationi  oculorum  :  dative  of  the  end  or  purpose.  Maneat,  may 
there  remain ;  subjunct.  of  wish.  18.  At  certe,  yet  at  least.  19. 
Sui,  of  each  other  ;  in  a  reciprocal  sense.  Quando,  since.  Urgen- 
tibns  —  fatis  (sc.  eos,  i.  e.  hostes),  the  fates  of  our  empire  urging 
them  on,  to  our  ruin.  We  have  ventured  to  supply  eos  as  the  object 
of  urgentibus,  though  none  of  the  commentators  have  done  so. 

21-28.  A  tergo  dudunt,  inclose  in  their  rear,  towards  the  east. 
22.  Haud  —  memoratae,  not  equally  well- known  with  the  Dulgi- 


GERMANIA.  165 

Page 

bini  and  Chasuarii.  23.  A  fronte  excipiunt,  succeed  (are  next  to)  34 
them  in  front,  towards  the  west.  24.  Ex — virium,  from  the 
measure  of  their  prucer,  according  to  their  power.  25.  TJsqne  ad, 
all  the  way  to.  Praetexuntnr,  are  bordered,  bounded.  The  meta- 
phor is  probably  drawn  from  the  toga,  which  was  inclosed  by 
a  purple  border.  26.  Ambiunt,  =  they  occupy  the  border*  of. 
Lacus,  which,  being  overflowed  by  the  ocean,  are  now  united  in 
the  Zuyder  Zee.  Et,  even.  27.  Quin  etiam  (nay  even)  =  more- 
over. Ilia,  I'M  that  quarter;  an  adverb,  used  chiefly  by  Plautus 
and  Tacitus.  28.  Herculis  columnas.  The  "  Pillars  of  Hercules  " 
generally  denote  the  twin  rocks  which  guard  the  entrance  of  the 
Mediterranean,  at  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  straits  of  Gibraltar, 
and  which,  according  to  the  legend,  mark  the  western  limit  reached 
by  the  ubiquitous  Hercules.  Other  "  Pillars  of  Hercules  "  are, 
however,  mentioned;  and  those  named  in  the  text  stood  in  the 
Sound,  between  Denmark  and  Sweden. 

3-6.  Druso  Germanico,  brother  of  Tiberius.  The  senate  con-  35 
ferred  on  Drusus  the  title  Germanicus;  it  was  his  son,  however, 
that  was  particularly  distinguished  by  this  epithet.  Hence  Kritz, 
reading  Druso,  Germanico,  makes  Tacitus  refer  to  both  father 
and  son.  The  asyndeton  is,  however,  exceedingly  harsh.  4. 
Obstitit  inquiri,  prevented  invextigations  being  mode.  In  86,  f.  e. 
in  oceanum.  Sim.nl  atqne  =  bnth  —  and.  In  Hercnlem,  i.  e.  in 
connection  with  his  "Pillars."  5.  Temptavit,  «c.  oceanum. 
Sanctins,  more  pious.  6.  Visnm  (est).  De  actis  —  scire,  i.  e.  to 
exercise  faith  rather  than  have  real  knowledge;  a  pious  after- 
thought, making  a  virtue  of  a  necessity. 

7-11.  Hactenns,  thus  far  ;  this  is  the  extent  of  my  knowledge 
of  Germany  towards  the  west.  8.  Ingenti  flexu,  by  a  vast  sweep  ; 
referring  to  Jutland,  the  Cimbric  Chersonese.  Prime  statim  =  at 
the  very  outset,  at  the  beginning  of  the  bend.  9.  Chaucomm. 
Their  name  is  still  preserved  in  that  of  their  harbor,  Cuxhaven.  S. 
Incipiat.  In  the  best  authors  qnamqnam  generally  takes  the 
indicative;  in  Tacitus  it  regularly  takes  the  subjunctive.  11.  La- 
teribus  obtenditnr,  is  stretched  along  the  flanks;  L  e.  the  Chauci 
occupy  the  country  east  of  those  nations  as  far  as  the  Elbe  (Albis). 
In  ChattOS  —  sinnetur  =  it  extends  in  a  curve  as  far  as  the  Chatti ; 
curving  in  a  general  south-east  direction  to  the  Ckatti  on  the  south. 

13-21.  Et  implent,  they  even  fill  it,  and  thus  prove  their  vast 
numbers.  14.  Notice  qniqne  =  et  talis  ut  is  (and  one  that),  with 
subjunctive  of  result,  malit.  A.  A  S.  §  264, 1  (a)  and  (6) ;  H.  500, 


166  NOTES. 

Page 

35  and  501,  L;   B.  1218;  A.   65,  2;  G.  554,  and  633;  Z.  558.     15. 
Tueri,  to  uphold.    15.   Sine   impotentia,  without  weakness,  i.  e. 
with  a  consciousness  of  subdued  power  and  dignity.     Secretique, 
and  retired,  keeping  aloof  from  others.     18.  TJt  superiores  agant 
(that  they  hold  the  rank  of  superiors]  is  the  object  of  assequuntur, 
they  attain.     19.  Omnibus,  so.  sunt;  they  all  have.     20.  Exercitus, 
BC.  iis  est.     Plurimuni  =  a  very  great  number.     21.  Et  (iis)  quies- 
ceutibas  (est),  and  when  at  peace  they  have.     Eadem  fama,  sc. 
quae  in  bello. 

23-28.  Marcentem,  an  enervating,  enfeebling.  Dill,  from  its 
position,  seems  to  modify  marcentem ;  it  may,  however,  be  ap- 
plied with  equal  force  to  illacessiti  (  -—from  having  been  tin- 
attacked),  or  to  nutrierunt.  24.  Quam  tutius,  than  aafe.  When 
two  adjectives  or  adverbs  are  compared  with  each  other,  both  are 
put  in  the  comparative.  A.  &  S.  $  256,  Rem.  12 ;  H.  444,  2 ;  B. 
903;  A.  47,  7;  G.  314;  Z.  690.  Tacitus  sometimes  uses  the  posi- 
tive in  one  part  of  the  proposition.  25.  Impotentes,  the  ungovern- 
able, the  violent,  who  exercise  no  self-control.  Falso  quiescas 
(potential  subjunctive),  you  may  repose  mistakenly  ;  if  you  repose 
in  the  hope  of  security,  you  may  be  very  much  mistaken.  Ubi  — 
agitur  =  when  the  question  turns  on  force  (when  the  contest  is 
decided  by  the  sword).  26.  Modestia  (moderation) — superioris 
sunt,  f.  e.  moderation  and  mildness  belong  only  to  those  who, 
having  the  power  to  injure,  refrain  from  injury.  Ita  Cherusci  qui 
oliin  (vocati  sunt)  boni  aequique.  27.  Boni  aequique,  brave  and 
just,  when  they  were  as  ready  for  war  as  for  peace.  Inertes, 
cowardly.  28.  Chattis  victoribus,  in  the  case  of  the  victorious 
Chatti ;  dative  of  advantage.  Fortuna  —  cessit,  their  good  luck 
pasted  for  wisdom. 

36  1-3.  Tracti  ruina,  dragged  down  by  the  downfall ;  involved  in 
the  ruin ;  like  a  falling  body  dragging  down  others  in  its  fall.     Et, 
also.    2.  Adversarum  rerum,  of  their  adversity.    Ex  aequo,  in  an 
equal  degree,  on  equal  terms.     3.  Cum,  although  ;  hence,  fuissent, 
they  had  been,  is  subjunctive  of  concession.     A.  &  S.  §  263,  5,  Rem. 
1,  (a);  H.  515,  II.;  B.  1282;  A.  61,  2,  e;  G.  588.     In  Becundis, 
sc.  rebus,  in  prosperity.     Minores,  their  inferiors,  less  powerful. 

4-14.  Eundem  sinum,  the  same  projecting  frontier  ;  Jutland,  to 
which  Tacitus  refers  in  ingenti  flexu,  chapter  35.  5.  Gloria, 
ablative  of  specification ;  or,  with  Kritz,  sc.  ejus,  and  make  it 
nominative.  6.  Utraque  ripa,  sc.  in,  on  each  bank,  probably  of 
the  Rhine;  according  to  some  commentators,  of  the  Rhine  and 


GERMANIA.  167 

Page 

Danube  ;  according  to  others,  each  shore  of  the  Cimbric  Chersonese  36 
or  Jutland.  7.  Castra  ac  spatia  seems  clearly  to  be  hendiadys  for 
cantrorum  spafia  =~apacious  encampments.  Another  instance  of  the 
fondness  of  Tacitus  for  poetic  expressions.  8.  Molem  manusque 
=  the  vast  numbers  and  forces.  Some  find  a  hendiadys  here,  and 
translate,  the  immense  military  forces.  The  sense  is  nearly  the 
same  in  either  case.  Exitus,  migration,  into  Gaul.  The  word  is 
rare  in  this  sense.  But  compare  Caes.  B.  G.  I.  5.  Fidem,  the 
credibility.  9.  Annum,  corresponding  to  113  B.  c.  10.  Agebat, 
was  passing.  11.  Ex  quo,  sc.  tempore.  12.  Alterum,  the  second. 
Ad  —  consulatum  (A.  D.  98),  at  which  time,  of  course,  Tacitus 
was  engaged  in  the  composition  of  this  work.  Hence  the  passage 
is  important  in  this  respect.  13.  Colliguntur,  are  summed  up,  are 
comprised.  14.  Vincitur,  the  present  tense,  implying  that  the 
conquest  was  still  incomplete. 

14-28.  Medio  spatio,  during  the  interval,  in  which  medio  is 
nearly  equivalent  to  during.  15.  In  vicem,  in  turn  =  reciprocal, 
mutual.  Samnis,  the  Samnite,  i.  e.  the  Satnnites,  the  most  stub- 
born of  the  Italian  enemies  of  B.ome.  16.  Hispaniae,  the  (two) 
Spains,  the  two  divisions  of  Spain,  separated  by  the  Iberus  (Ebro). 
Galliae,  the  Gauls,  Transalpine  and  Cisalpine.  17.  Saepius  ad- 
monuere,  have  more  frequently  reminded  ns  of  the  inconstancy  of 
fortune,  which  has  not  always  been  on  our  side.  Arsacis,  of 
Arsaces,  the  founder  of  the  Parthian  monarchy.  Acrior,  more 
vigorous.  19.  Amisso  —  dejectus,  itself  even  (i.  e.  the  East),  in  a 
Pacorus  lost,  humbled  beneath  a  Ventidius.  PacSrus  was  the  son 
of  the  Parthian  king,  and  was  conquered  by  Ventidius,  a  man  of 
low  origin,  a  dealer  in  mules.  Hence  the  force  of  infra.  20. 
Objecerit,  has  (the  East)  thrown  up  to  us ;  or,  to  taunt  us  with. 
Subjunctive  in  a  question  of  appeal  (deliberative  or  dubitative 
subjunctive).  A.  <fc  S.  §  260,  Rem.  5;  H.  486,  II.;  B.  1180;  A. 
57,  6;  G.  251.  23.  Populo,  dative  of  disadvantage;  translate, 
from.  24.  Caesari,  t.  e.  Augustus.  26.  Nero,  Claudius  Tiberius 
Nero,  afterwards  the  emperor  Tiberius.  Germanicus  was  the  son 
of  Drusus.  27.  C.  Caesaris,  Caligula.  Ludibrium,  ridicule,  de- 
rision. Versae  (sunt).  28.  Otium,  peace,  sc.  fuit.  Discordiae 
nostrae  refers  to  the  civil  wars  between  Galba,  Otho,  Vitellius,  and 
Vespasian. 

2-3.  Etiam  affectavere,  they  even  aimed  at,  strove  to  gain  pos-  37 
session  of.    Proximis   temporibus,  in  latter  times.    3.  Trium- 
phati  —  vioti  sunt.     Tacitus  alludes  particularly  to  the  reign  of 


168  NOTES. 

Page 

37  Domitian,  who  celebrated  a  triumph  over  the  Chatti  whom  he  had 
not  even  seen. 

4-18.  Suebis  =  Suevis,  which  form  also  occurs.  6.  Propriis  — 
discreti,  still  distinguished  by  particular  tribes  and  names.  8.  In- 
signe  —  substringere,  it  is  a  distinctive  mark  of  the  race  to  turn 
the  hair  back  and  to  tie  it  up  in  a  knot,  on  the  crown  of  the  head. 
Obliquare  means  simply  to  turn  out  of  the  natural  direction,  i.  e. 
in  the  present  case,  instead  of  combing  the  hair  down,  to  comb  it 
up  towards  the  top  of  the  head.  11,  Aliqua,  on  account  of  some; 
cognatione  being  ablative  of  cause.  12.  Rarum,  sc.  est,  t.  e.  the 
custom  just  mentioned.  13.  Horrentem  capillum,  their  bristly 
hair;  giving  them  a  wild  and  threatening  aspect.  Cf.  Milton,  P. 
L.  II.  710 : 

"and  from  his  horrid  hair 
Shakes  pestilence  and  war.'* 

14.  Retro  sequuntur  =  they  turn  back;  lit.  they  follow  back,  sc. 
pectine  vel  inanu.  The  expression  is  a  singular  one,  and  is  prob- 
ably here  intended  to  be  equivalent  to  obliquare.  Vertice,  crown, 
top  of  the  head.  15.  Ornatiorem,  sc.  capillum.  Ea  =  talis. 
Formae,  for  their  appearance.  16.  Innoxia,  i.  e.  it  neither  leads 
to  effeminacy,  nor  is  the  result  of  it.  Neque  —  ornantur,  for  they 
are  not  adorned  for  the  purpose  of  making  love  or  of  being  loved, 
(but),  when  about  to  go  to  wars,  for  a  certain  loftiness  of  stature  and 
for  striking  terror,  being  arrayed  as  it  were  for  the  eyes  of  the  enemy. 
The  text  is  various  here,  and  different  editors  punctuate  differently. 
In  both  respects  we  follow  Kritz.  In  compti  —  oculis  there  is  an 
implied  contrast  between  the  Suevi,  who  deck  themselves  to  terrify 
the  enemy,  and  lovers  who  seek  to  captivate  the  eyes  of  their  loves. 
Cf.  cap.  43  :  "  Nam  primi  in  omnibus  proeliis  oculi  vincuntur." 
20-28.  Fides,  the  credibility.  Religione,  by  a  reliyious  rite. 

21.  Stato,  from  sisto.     Auguriis —  sacram,   a  hexameter  verse. 

22.  Prisca  formidine,  by  ancient  awe.    23.  Legationibus  =  by 

their  representatives.  Publico,  by  public  authority.  24.  Pfi- 
mordia,  beginning.  The  remainder  of  the  rite  Tacitus  does  not 
state.  25.  Luco,  the  silvam  of  line  21.  26.  Tit  minor,  as  an  in- 
ferior being.  Prae  86  ferens  =  openly  acknowledging.  28.  Evol- 
vuntur  =  se  evolvunt,  in  a  middle  sense;  they  roll  themselves  out. 
Eo  respicit=  (looks  back  to  this)  has  this  in  view,  implies  this. 
Superstitio,  any  religious  observance,  rite,  or  belief,  that,  to  a 
Roman,  was  not  orthodox. 


GERMANIA.  169 

Page 

1-6.  Tufa,  from  thence,  i.  e.  ex  ea  silva,  referring  to  the  indige-  38 
nous  origin  of  the  race.     Initia,  «c.  sint.     2.  Dens,  i.e.  Tuisto.   Cf. 
c.  2.     Adjicit  auctoritatem,  add»  weight,  sc.  superstition!  illi.    4. 
Corporis,  sc.  civitatis. 

6-16.  Langohardos,  the  correct  form  of  the  name;  the  MSS. 
have  Longobardi.  7.  Cincti,  =  though  surrounded,  the  participle 
denoting  concession.  8.  Et  periclitando,  and  by  encountering 
danger,  running  risks.  11.  Quicquam.  In  what  kind  of  sentences 
is  quisquam  used?  A.  &  S.  §  207,  Rem.  31 ;  H.  457;  B.  1061 ;  A. 
21,  2,  h  ;  G.  304;  Z.  709.  In  sin.gu.lis,  among  them  individually. 
12.  Nerthum  is  the  form  given  in  most  of  the  MSS.  Some  give 
Herthum.  The  word  is  evidently  the  same  as  the  German  Erde, 
and  the  English  Earth.  Matrem,  at  their  mother.  13.  Inter- 
Venire  =  takes  part  in.  Invehl  populis,  that  she  visits  the  nations 
in  a  chariot.  Observe  that  inveho  in  the  passive  means  to  ride, 
tail,  drive,  etc.  14.  Insula  oceani.  Rugen  is  believed  by  most 
scholars  to  be  the  island  referred  to.  15.  Dicatum,  a  consecrated. 
16.  Concessum  (est). 

16-28.  Is.  Notice  the  presence  of  the  pronoun,  and  that  it  is 
therefore  emphatic;  he  knows  —  to  him  it  is  given  to  know. 
Adesse  penetrali(  is  present  in  her  sanctuary.  By  penetrali  is 
meant  the  vehiculum  veste  contectum.  17.  Bubus  feminis.  When 
the  names  of  animals  are  of  the  common  gender,  the  word  mas  or 
femina  is  added,  if  the  sex  of  a  particular  animal  is  to  be  stated. 
Z.  42.  Vectam  —  feminis,  drawn  by  cows.  18.  Festa  (sunt)  = 
have  a  holiday  appearance.  21.  Tune  tantum,  then  only.  Nota 
may  be  neuter  plural,  or  feminine  singular  (agreeing  with  the 
nearest  noun,  quies).  23.  Templo,  to  her  temple,  the  grove  before 
mentioned.  Templum  does  not  imply  any  building;  it  merely 
means  a  space  marked  out.  So,  in  Greek,  riptvos,  from  T//IVU,  to 
cut.  24.  SecretO,  in  a  sequestered,  secluded.  25.  Abluitur,  to 
wash  away  the  pollution  arising  from  intercourse  with  mortals. 
Ministrant  —perform  the  duties.  26.  Haurit,  swallows  up.  The 
slaves  were  drowned  in  order  that  the  imposture  of  the  priests 
might  not  be  divulged.  Sancta  ignorantia,^i'o«s  ignorance,  which 
thinks  it  better  "  de  actis  deorum  credere  quam  scire."  27.  Tantum 
perituri,  only  those  doomed  to  perish.  28.  Secretiora,  the  more 
remote  parts,  towards  the  north. 

1-10.  Propior,  i.  e.  to  the  Romans.     Quo  modo  (quomodo)  =  as.  39 
2.  Shenum,  sc.  secutus  sum.     3.  Eoque,  and  on  that  account,  be- 
cause faithful  to  the  Romans.    Solis  Germanorum,  «c.  est,  they 

P 


170  NOTES. 

Page 

39  alone  of  the   Germans  have.     4.   Non,  «'.  e.  not  only,  not  merely. 
Penitus,/ar  inland.     5.  Colonia,  generally  supposed  to  be  Augusta 
Vindelicorum,  now  Augsburg.     6.  Cum,  although,  with  subjunctive 
of  concession,  ostendanms.     9.  Albis,  the  Elbe.     Olim,  through 
the  expeditions  of  Drusus,  Domitius,  and  Tiberius. 

14-21.  Farta  (est).  15.  Eaque  —  peragitur,  and  this  is,  as  it 
were,  the  front  of  Germany,  as  far  as  it  is  formed  by  the  Danube. 
Notice  the  force  of  frons  (rendered  emphatic  by  velut),  i.  e.  the 
part  which  faces  the  Roman  possessions.  18.  Tudri.  Whether 
from  Tuder  or  Tudrus  is  uncertain.  Externos,  so.  reges.  19. 
Vis  —  regibus,  «c.  est,  the  king*  hate,  etc.  20.  Pecunia  juvantur, 
to  attach  them  to  the  interests  of  Rome,  or  to  purchase  their  neu- 
trality or  their  aid.  JTec  —  valent,  i.  e.  Roman  money  enabled 
these  dependent  kings  to  exert  as  much  influence  among  their 
countrymen  as  if  they  were  aided  by  Roman  arms. 

22-28.  Retro,  backward,  farther  back ;  opposed  to  frons. 
Terga  claudunt,  close  in  the  rear.  24.  Cultuque,  «>id  in  their 
manner  of  living.  Refenint,  resemble;  lit.  reproduce.  26.  Quod 
—  patiuntur.  This,  from  a  Roman,  is  paying  high  tribute  to  the 
valor  of  the  liberty -loving  Germans.  28.  Quo  —  pudeat=to 
shame  them  the  more,  for  submitting  to  tribute;  since,  of  their  iron, 
they  should  make  swords.  Et,  also.  Effodiunt  =  wine. 

40  1-20.   Pauca  campestrium,  but  little  of  the  level  country.    2. 
Saltus,  the  woodlands  ;  "  saltus  sunt  silvae  in  locis  editioribus."  K. 
Montiuin  limits  jugum  (the  ridge)  also.     6.  Diffusum,  spread  out, 
divided.     9.  Muliebri  ornatu,  in  rich  female  attire.     The  loose 
robe  of  the  priest  may  have  been  mistaken  for  female  apparel. 
10.  Interpretatione  Bomana,  according  to  Roman  interpretuti<,n, 
i.  e.  comparing  the  attributes  of  Roman  with  those  of  German 
gods.     11.  Ea  vis  numini,  such  is  the  force  of  their  divinity;  i.  e. 
it  corresponds  to  that  of  Castor  and  Pollux.     Nomen  Alois,  sc.  iis 
est,  their  name  is  Aid.     Alcis  is  dative  plural.    12.  Superstitionis, 
religious  rites.     13.  Tamen,  yet ;  i.  e.  although  we  cannot  suppose 
the  Germans  to  have  borrowed  the  worship  of  the  brothers  Castor 
and  Pollux,  yet  they  do  worship  the  Alci  an  brothers.     Venerantur 
is  transitive.     14.   Super  vires,   besides  their  (military)  strength. 
15.  Truces,  grimly,  as  an  adverb.    Arte  ac  tempore,  by  art  and 
time,  as  is  immediately  explained.     16.  Lenociuantur,  they  pander 
to  =  they  increase.     17.   Ipsaque —  inferunt,  and  by  the  natural 
dread  and  spectral  aspect  of  their  ghostly  army  they  inspire  terror. 
Ipsa  formidine,  i.  e.  the  very  dread  which  the  time  and  character 


GERMANIA.  171 

Page 

of  their  attack  inspire  =  the  natural  dread.     Umbra  exercitus,  i.  e.  40 
a  spectral  host,  dim  and  shadowy  in  outline,  while  feralis  conveys 
the  additional  idea  that  the  host  has   been  reanimated  from  the 
tomb  or  returned  from  the  realm  of  shades.      The  expression  is 
highly  imaginative  and  poetical.     Compare  Tennyson,  Guinevere  : 

"and  more  and  more 

The  moony  vapor  rolling  round  the  King, 
Who  seemed  the  phantom  of  a  Giant  in  it, 
Enwound  him  fold  by  fold,  and  made  him  gray 
And  grayer,  till  himself  became  as  mist 
Before  her,  moving  ghostlike  to  his  doom." 

Kritz    makes    exercitus    limit    terrorem.      19.    Novnm,   their 
strange. 

21-28.  Regnantur,  !.  e.  have  a  king.  Jam,  now,  in  this  part 
of  our  survey  of  the  German  tribes,  implying  that  as  we  go  north- 
ward we  shall  find  less  liberty  and  more  power  in  the  ruler. 
Hence  also  the  force  of  nondum.  22.  Adductius,  with  a  tighter 
rein,  more  strictly.  A  metaphor  taken  from  adducere  habenas,  to 
tighten  the  reins.  23.  Supra  =  incompatible  with.  Protinus, 
further  on,  straight  on  towards  the  north.  Ah,  along,  by.  Oceano, 
i.  e.  mari  Baltico.  24.  Rugii,  from  whom  the  island  of  Rugcn 
derives  its  name.  25.  Obsequium,  a  willing  allegiance.  27. 
Suionam  civitates.  Under  this  title  Tacitus  designates  the  tribes 
of  Scandinavia  (Norway  and  Sweden),  which  he  supposed  to  be  an 
island ;  hence,  ipso  in  oceano,  i.  e.  the  Baltic.  28.  Differt,  i.  e. 
from  others. 

1-12.  TJtrimque,  at  both  ends  of  the  ship.  Frontem  agit,  acts  *j 
as  a  forepart.  2.  Ministrantur,  they  are  worked.  In  ordinem, 
in  a  (regular)  row,  in  a  fixed  order.  3.  Adjungunt,  «e.  naves,  by 
a  sort  of  personification.  Solutum  et  mutahile  remigium,  «c. 
est,  the  oars  are  loose  and  capable  of  being  shifted.  4.  Res,  occasion. 
Hinc  vel  illinc,  to  this  or  that  side  of  the  vessel.  5.  Est  opibus 
honos,  wealth  has  its  honor.  Eo,  on  that  account,  on  account  of  his 
superior  wealth.  6.  Jam,  now,  here,  among  these  tribes.  Non  — 
parendi,  with  no  precarious  right  of  obedience,  i.  e.  with  an  absolute 
claim  upon  their  obedience,  from  which  no  entreaty  could  discharge 
them.  7.  In  promiscuo,  indiscriminately,  at  the  disposal  of  all. 
8.  Et  quidem,  and  that,  too.  9.  Otiosae,  idle.  Some  editors 
read  (with  MSS.)  otiosa.  10.  Lasciviunt,  become  demoralized. 
Enimvero,  and  in  fact.  12.  Regia  —  est,  it  is  the  interest  of  a 
king.  Regia  —  regis  or  regum. 


172  NOTES. 

Page 

41  13-18.  Suionas,  Greek  form  of  the  accusative.     Aliud  mare,  i.  e. 
the  Northern  or  Arctic  ocean.     Pigrum,  sluggish,  from  masses  of 
ice  floating  in  it :  hence  also  the  force  of  immotum.     14.  Hinc, 
from  this  fact;  referring  to  what  follows  as  the  ground  of  fides, 
sc.  est,  the  belief  is.     15.  Extremus  fulgOT,  the  last  radiance;  in 
ortum,  till  its  rising.     The  meaning  is,  that  though  the  sun  sets 
(as  it  must  in  latitudes  south  of  66°),  the  evening  and  morning 
twilight  follow  each  other  so  closely,  that  there  is  no  night;  at 
least  no  night  dark  enough  to  show  the  stars.     17.  Emergentis  (sc. 
solis)  audiri,  of  his  rising  is  heard.     This  is  the  meaning  accord- 
ing to  the  text.     Some  editors,  however,  reject  emergentis  (though 
found  in  the  MSS.),  and  conjecture  that  the  sound  in  question  was 
produced  by  the  Aurora  Borealis.     It  was  an  ancient  fancy  that 
the  sun,  like   hot   iron,  enters   the  water  with   a   hissing   noise. 
Hence,    "  audiet  Hercnleo   stridentem   gurgite  soltm."     Juv.   XIV. 
280.     This  is  common  with  the  poets  when  they  describe  the  setting 
of  the  sun.     Formas  —  aspici,  and  that  the  forms  of  the  gods  and 
the  halo*  (radiant  glory)  of  their  heads  are  seen.     The  conjecture 
may  be  true,  that  the  Aurora  Borealis  was  the  phenomenon  which 
gave  rise  to  these  fancies.     18.  Persuasio,  popular  belief. 

18-28.  Illuc  usque  tantum,  thus  fur  only;  natura,  sc.  est  = 
does  nature  extend;  beyond,  he  would  say,  is  the  ocean  which 
encircles  the  land.  Et  fama  vera,  sc.  est,  the  words  of  Tacitus, 
assenting  to  the  proposition.  19.  Ergo  jam,  now,  therefore ;  i.  e. 
since  we  have  reached  the  limit  of  nature  to  the  north,  therefore  let 
us  now  turn  towards  the  east.  Suebici  (  =  Suevici)  maris,  i.  e. 
the  Baltic  sea.  20.  Habitus,  the  dress.  21.  Matrem  deum 
( —  deorum),  i.  e.  interpretatione  Bomana,  referring  to  Nerthus 
mentioned  in  chap.  40.  22.  Insigne  superstitionis,  as  the  symbol 
of  their  religions  belief;  or,  of  their  superstition,  from  a  Roman 
standpoint.  Formas  aprorum,  as  amulets,  probably.  25.  Fus- 
tium  usus,  in  their  personal  quarrels.  Frumenta  laborant. 
An  instance  of  the  tendency  of  Tacitus  to  condensation  in  expres- 
sion, by  his  forcing  a  verb  usually  intransitive  into  the  activity 
and  energy  of  a  transitive  verb.  28.  Glesum  is  therefore  an  old 
German  word,  with  a  Latin  ending ;  whence  the  German  Gla*, 
English  glass ;  from  the  brightness  of  the  amber. 

42  1-9-  Quae  natura,  *o.  sit  ejus.     2.  Ratio,  process.    Ut  barbaris 
—  a*  they  are  barbarians;  dative,  in  apposition  with  Us  under- 
stood, which  is  dative   of  the   agent  with  quaesitum  (est).     3. 
Quin  etiam,  moreover,  besides.    Ejectamenta,   things  thrown  up 


GERMANIA.  173 

Page 

(by).  The  English  language  has  no  corresponding  word.  4.  42 
Nomen,  i.  e.  honorem,  nobilitatem.  K.  5.  Rude,  crude.  Perfer- 
tur.  By  traders  through  Pannonia  to  the  Adriatic  sea,  and  thence 
to  Rome.  6.  Tamen,  yet,  i.  e.  though  the  Germans  know  nothing 
of  its  nature.  Sucum  arborum.  The  ancient  opinion  of  its  vege- 
table origin  seems  now  to  be  established,  and  it  is  believed  or  known 
to  be  a  fossil  resin.  7.  Terrena,  land ;  living  on  land,  like  rep- 
tiles. 8.  Implicata  humore,  (by)  becoming  entangled  in  it  in  its 
moist  condition.  9.  Cluduntur  =  includuntur,  are  inclosed  in  it. 

9-17.  Fecundiora,  etc.  Order:  crediderim  igitur  (/  am  inclined, 
there/ore,  to  believe)  sicut  orientis  secretis  (that  as  in  the  remote 
lands  of  the  East)  ubi  tura  balsamaque  sudantur  (are  exuded),  ita 
inesse  insulis  terrisque  occidentis  fecundiora  nemora  lucosque. 
10.  Secretis,  sc.  terris.  11.  Insulis,  dative,  governed  by  inesse. 
12.  Quae.  Here  the  brevity  of  Tacitus  leads  him  into  faulty  con- 
struction. The  relative  refers,  grammatically,  to  nemora  lucos- 
que,  while  the  sense  requires  it  to  refer  to  their  productions. 
Vicini  soils,  of  the  sun  when  near  them,  i.  e.  by  the  more  direct 
rays  of  a  summer  sun.  13.  Liquentia,  from  liquor.  14.  Adversa 
litora,  opposite  shores,  certainly  not  the  shores  on  the  other  side, 
but  the  shores  opposite  to  the  previous  seaward  direction  of  the 
exudations.  15.  Admoto,  applied  to  it.  Igni,  ablative.  16. 
Pinguem,  af«tty;  i.  e.  thick  and  smoky.  Tit,  as  if. 

18-28.  Continuantur  =  border  on,  are  contiguous  to;  lit.  are 
joined  to.  Cetera,  in  other  respects;  accusative  of  specification. 
19.  Similes,  so.  Suionibus.  Uno,  in  one  thing;  ablative  of  specifi- 
cation. In  tantum,  to  such  an  extent.  20.  A  servitute,  in  being 
slaves  to  a  woman  instead  of  a  man.  22.  Fennorum,  whence 
doubtless  'our  "Finns."  23.  (Utrum)  Germanis  an,  etc.  25. 
Cultu,  in  their  manner  of  life.  Sede  ac  domiciliis,  in  respect  to 
abode  and  dwellings,  i.  e.  in  the  fact  that  they  have  homes  and 
domiciles,  whereas  the  Sarmatians  were  nomadic,  living  and  moving 
about  in  wagons.  Agunt  =  vivunt.  Sordes  omnium,  sc.  est, 
filth  is  characteristic  of  them  all;  omnium  is  predicate  genitive. 
26.  Torpor,  sc.  est,  laziness.  A  Tacitean  sense  of  the  word.  Con- 
nubiis  mixtis  (sc.  cum  Sarmatis)  =  by  intermarriages;  mixti, 
being  equivalent  to  the  inter-.  27.  In  habitum  foedantur,  they 
are  becoming  debased  into  the  character.  28.  Ex  moribus,  «c. 
Sarmatarnm. 

3-20.  Domos  figunt  =  they  have  fixed  habitations.     5.  Diversa,    43 
the  contrary;  governing   Sarmatis  ( =  Sarmatarum  moribus)  in 

P2 


174  NOTES. 

Page 

43  the  dative.  7.  Penates,  i.  e.  a  home,  fireside.  Cubile  humus. 
The  change  of  construction  deserves  notice.  8.  Ossibus  asperant, 
they  roughly  point  with  bones.  9.  Idem  venatus,  i.  e.  the  women 
accompany  the  men  in  hunting.  11.  Ferarum,  from  wild  beasts. 
14.  Arbitrantur.  The  truth  is  they  did  not  think  at  all :  they  no 
more  missed  the  luxuries  of  Roman  civilization  than  the  con- 
venience of  the  electric  telegraph.  Ingemere  agris,  to  groan  over 
fields,  i.  e.  tilling  them.  15.  Domibus,  /.  e.  in  building  them. 
Suas — Versare,  to  disturb  their  own  and  others'  fortunes  with 
(alternate)  hope  and  fear  ;  the  hope  of  riches  and  the  fear  of  losses 
in  business.  16.  Securi,  careless.  18.  Cetera,  the  rest,  what  re- 
mains to  be  said.  Jam,  now,  in  this  part  of  our  examination. 
Oxionas,  Greek  form  of  the  accusative.  Ora  —  gerere.  The  story 
doubtless  arose  from  their  wearing  the  skins  of  wild  beasts.  20. 
In  medium  =  undecided ;  in  the  midst,  i.  e.  between  those  who 
may  assert  and  those  who  may  deny. 


NOTES 


A    G   K    I    C    0    L    A. 


INTRODUCTION. 

THE  Life  of  Agricola  is  certainly  the  most  attractive,  and  perhaps 
the  most  perfect  specimen  we  possess  of  ancient  biography.  It  was 
written,  we  are  told,  in  a  spirit  of  filial  affection  to  commemorate  the 
virtues  of  a  good  man  and  the  successes  of  a  great  general.  All  that 
was  most  characteristic  of  a  Roman  of  the  highest  type  found  a  place 
in  Agricola.  An  able  officer,  a  just  and  at  the  same  time  a  popular 
governor,  a  vigorous  reformer  of  abuses,  a  conqueror  of  hitherto  un- 
known regions,  he  was  also  a  man  of  mental  culture,  and  of  singular 
gentleness  and  amiability.  He  had  every  quality  which  could  attract 
the  sympathy  and  admiration  of  his  son-in-law. 

Besides  a  description  of  the  geography  of  Britain,  and  of  the  general 
character  of  its  inhabitants,  in  accordance  with  the  best  information 
which  Tacitus  could  procure,  we  have  also  a  brief  outline  of  the  Roman 
operations  in  the  country  previous  to  Agricola's  arrival.  Agricola, 
who  became  proconsul  of  Britain  A.  D.  78,  found  by  far  the  greater 
portion  of  the  country  already  conquered,  though  much  remained  to  be 
done  to  secure  thoroughly  the  submission  of  the  people. 

The  chief  interest  of  this  biography  is  evidently  intended  to  centre 
in  the  grand  event  of  the  seventh  year  of  Agricola's  campaigns,  the 
defeat  of  the  confederate  Caledonian  tribes,  by  which  the  subjugation 
ot  Britain  to  its  farthest  limits  was  finally  achieved.  The  description 
of  the  preparations  for  the  battle,  and  of  the  battle  itself,  would  occupy 
a  space  altogether  out  of  proportion  to  the  rest  of  the  work,  were  it 
not  meant  by  the  author  to  claim  the  first  place  in  the  interest  of  his 
readers.  Both  the  scene  and  the  event  appear  to  have  deeply  impressed 
the  mind  of  Tacitus.  The  critical  struggle,  as  it  seemed  to  him,  was 
fought  out  on  the  last  confines  of  the  world,  and  it  added  to  the  glory 

175 


176  INTRODUCTION. 

of  Rome  the  renown  of  a  triumph  which  completed  the  conquest  of 
her  most  inaccessible  and  intractable  province.  The  speeches  of  the 
rival  generals  which  introduce  it,  are  elaborate  specimens  of  Tacitean 
eloquence.  That  of  the  Caledonian  chief  is  conceived  in  the  true 
spirit  of  the  barbarian,  and  is  marked  by  a  fierce  impetuosity;  that  of 
Agricola  is  calm  and  dignified,  and  implies  the  consciousness  of 
superior  strength,  which  is  the  fruit  of  discipline  and  civilization. 

Soon  after  his  decisive  success,  which  excited  the  jealousy  and  ill- 
will  of  Domitian,  Agricola  returned  to  Rome.  Of  the  last  eight  years 
of  his  life,  which  were  passed  in  retirement,  Tacitus  tells  us  but  little. 
In  a  few  burning  words  he  dwells  on  the  horrors  of  the  closing  period 
of  Douiitian's  reign,  and  hints,  though  he  forbears  explicitly  to  assert, 
as  Dion  Cassius  does,  that  Agricola  was  one  of  the  emperor's  numerous 
victims. — Abridged  from  C. 

The  composition  of  this  work  may  be  fixed,  from  internal  and  ex- 
ternal evidence,  to  A.  D.  97,  four  years  after  Agricola's  death.  The 
first  three  chapters  comprise  the  preface,  the  substance  of  which  is 
this :  —  In  ancient  times,  when  there  was  no  reason,  as  now,  to  dread 
men's  ignorance  of  virtue  and  their  envy  of  her  votaries,  it  was  usual 
to  hand  dowii  to  posterity  the  exploits  and  characters  of  famous  men  ; 
and  a  man  was  not  found  fault  with  even  if  he  narrated  his  own  life. 
But  in  times  like  these,  when  we  have  only  lately  seen  that  to  praise 
illustrious  men  was  a  capital  crime,  I  must  plead  for  favor  and  in- 
dulgence, which  I  should  not  have  done,  had  my  intention  been  to  rail 
at  times  inimical  to  virtue,  in  which  even  those  remain  unpunished 
through  whose  charges  Agricola  fell,  and  through  whose  means  many 
have  been  calumniated.  At  length,  however,  spirit  and  liberty  are 
returning,  though  the  desire  of  writing  springs  up  but  gradually  and 
slowly,  since  talents  and  zeal  may  be  more  quickly  smothered  and  sup- 
pressed than  roused  again  to  vigor  and  activity  ;  and  sloth,  at  first  the 
object  of  our  hatred,  ends  with  ingratiating  itself  into  our  favor. 
Hence  I  am  led  to  hope,  that  I  shall  meet  with  excuse  for  having 
formed  the  design  of  writing  this  memoir.  S. 
Page 

45  1-5-  Clarorum  virorum.  A  clnrus  vir  is  one  who  by  merit  has 
risen  to  distinction.  Facta  moresque,  the  achievements  and  char- 
acters. 2.  Usitatum,  customary,  not  unusual,  commonly  practised  ; 
a  neuter  participle  in  the  accusative,  agreeing  with  the  preceding 
clause.  Ne  —  temporibus,  i.  e.  vicious  as  they  are,  they  can  some- 
times rise  to  a  recognition  of  virtue.  3.  Suorum,  of  -its  own,  sc. 
eminent  men.  Aetas,  the  age.  Quotiens  =  quoties.  4.  Super- 


NOTES    TO    THE    AGRICOLA.  177 


gressa  est,  has  risen  above,  superior  to,  beyond  the  reach  of  envy.  45 
5.  Ignorantiam  — invidiam,  ignorance  and  envy  of  rectitude  ;  not 
an  intellectual  but  a  moral  ignorance,  which  refuses  or  neglects  to 
recognize  the  claims  of  merit.     Becti  limits  both  nouns;  t.  e.  envy 
must  be  envy  of  something. 

1-5.  Friores,  the  men  of  former  times,  under  the  republic.  2.  46 
Memoratu.  If  the  supine  in  u  is  ever  anything  different  from  a 
noun,  this  may  be  a  supine.  It  seems  more  simple,  however,  to 
make  it  a  noun.  ProBum,  easy;  because  it  did  not  attract  the 
envy  of  inferiors  or  the  malice  of  power.  Magifi  —  aperto,  lit. 
and  more  in  an  open  course  =  and  more  unobstructed.  3.  Cele- 
berrimus  quisque,  all  the  most  renowned.  A.  A  S.  g  207",  Hem.  35, 
(b);  H.  458,  1;  B.-1052;  A.  17,  5,  c;  G.  305.  Ingenio,/or  thf.ir 
talent;  ablat.  of  cause.  4,  Sine  —  ambitione,  without  favor  or 
flattery,  without  partiality  or  ingratiating  flattery.  Tantum 
pretio,  solely  for  the  reward.  Pretio  is  ablat.  of  cause. 

5-12.  Plerique,  a  great  many,  i.  e.  of  those  who  wrote  biography. 
Ipsi,  nominative ;  narrare  suam  vitam  ipsi.  6.  Fiduciam  moruai, 
as  a  confidence  in  their  characters.  7.  Citra  fidem,  lit.  on  this  side 
of  belief  =  without  trustworthiness.  This  sense  of  citra  belongs  to 
the  silver  age.  8.  Obtrectationi,  a  disparagement ;  dative  of  the 
end.  Adeo,  to  such  a  degree,  so  true  is  it  that.  Isdem  =  iisdem. 
10.  NUUC.S  note,  in  these  times,  less  auspicious  than  former  times. 
Mihi  opus  fuit^  I  had  need.  11.  Veaia,  of  indulgence  ;  ablative. 
Incusaturus  ==  had  I  intended  to  find  fault  with  =  si  incusaturus 
essem,  and  thus  forming  the  protasis  to  quam — petissem.  The 
connection  of  thought  in  this  sentence  seems  to  be  as  follows : 
The  practice  of  writing  the  biography  of  eminent  men  has  grown 
into  such  disuse,  that  an  apology  for  this  eulogy  of  Agricola  was 
necessary ;  but  had  my  intention  been  to  inveigh  against  the  times, 
no  such  apology  would  have  been  needed.  For  incusaturus  some 
editors  read  incursatums. 

13-18.  Legimus  —  fuisse.  Both  occurrences  took  place  in  Do- 
mitian's  reign.  Rusticus  was  put  to  death  for  studying  philosophy, 
and  calling  Thrasea  "holy;"  and  Senecio  for  writing  the  life  of 
Priscus  Helvidius.  S.  In  legimus  there  may  be  a  reference  to 
the  Acta  Dittrna  ("  Proceedings  of  the  Day  "),  a  kind  of  official 
gazette,  published  at  Rome,  and  containing  an  account  of  the 
public  business,  and  other  matters  of  general  interest.  Aruleno 
Eustico,  dative  of  the  agent  after  laudati  essent,  which  is  sub- 
junctive after  cum,  causal.  15.  Capitals,  a  capital  crime;  the 
12-Agr. 


178  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

46  adj.  as  a  noun.     16.   Saevitum   (esse),  that  rage  was  vented;  the 
verb  is  here  used  impersonally.    Triumvir  is.     The  triumviri  capi- 
tales  were  superintendents  of  jyrisons,  and  combined  some  of  the 
duties  of  our  police  magistrates  and  sheriffs.     17.  Clarissimorum 
ingeniorum  =  of  the  most  distinguished  men  of  genius.     18.   In 
comitio   EC  foro,  in  the  comitium  and  forum.     The  forum  in  its 
widest  sense  included  the  comitium,  or  place  of  assembly  for  the 
curiae,  and  the  forum  in  its  narrower  sense,  or  place  of  assembly 
for  the  cotnitia  tributa.     The  Comitium  was  the  place  of  public  exe- 
cution.   Diet.  Anliqq. 

18-28.  Scilicet,  doubtless,  of  course.  Strongly  ironical.  19. 
Conscientiam,  the  conscience,  approving  the  good  and  condemning 
the  bad ;  which  being  destroyed,  tyranny  would  be  secure  even 
while  torturing  virtue.  21.  Sapientiae  professoribus,  public 
teachers  of  philosophy,  or,  the  philosophers,  who  were  expelled  by 
Domitian  A.  D.  95.  The  word  professor  is  post-classical.  22.  Ne 
quid  honestum  =  that  nothing  regarded  with  honor.  Occurreret 
=  inveniretur.  23.  ProfectO,  assuredly,  certainly.  24.  Vetus 
aetas,  "  the  olden  time,"  of  the  republic.  Ultimum,  extreme;  i.  e. 
as  much  liberty  as  could  exist  without  becoming  suicidal.  25. 
Quid  in  servitute,  sc.  ultimum  esset.  Adempto  —  commercio. 
These  words  portray,  though  in  dim  outline,  a  state  of  society  of 
which  an  American  citizen  can  form  an  adequate  idea  only  by  the 
help  of  the  imagination.  Per  inquisitiones  =  by  the  espionage  of 
informers;  which  made  men  afraid  either  to  speak  their  own 
thoughts  or  to  listen  to  the  thoughts  of  others.  26.  Commercio, 
the  interchange,  intercourse.  27.  Voce,  i.  «.  free  speech.  Tam  — 
quam,  as  much  —  as. 

47  1-9.  Animus,  courage.     Primo   Statim  ortu,  at  once  at  the  very 
beginning;  statim  giving  emphasis  to  primo  ortu.     2.  Saeculi, 
age,  period.    Nerva  Caesar.     All  the  Koman  emperors  down  to 
the  time  of  Hadrian  bore  the  name  Caesar,  with  the  title  Augustus. 
8.   Dissociabiles,   irreconcilable,   incompatible.     Miscuerit.     In 
Tacitus  the  subjunctive  is  more  frequent  after  quamquam  than 
the   indicative.      Principatum,    sovereign  power,   lodged   in   the 
hands  of  tprineept  at  the  head  of  the  state.     4.  Augeat  quotidie. 
This  passage  seems  to  fix  the  date  of  the  composition  of  the  Agri- 
cola;  Trajan  was  adopted  by  Nerva  A.  D.  97,  and  the  latter  died 
A.  D.  98 ;  and  as  Tacitus,  in  speaking  of  Nerva,  does  not  apply  to 
him  the  title  divna  (given  to  deceased  emperors),  it  is  conjectured 
that  the  work  was  composed  while  Nerva  was  still  alive.    Nerva 


AGRICOLA.  179 

Page 

Trajanns,  so  called  from  his  adoption  by  Nerva.  5.  Nee  modo=  47 
et  non  modo.  Votum  =  wishes  for  better  and  happier  times. 
Securitas  publita  is  here  personified.  Her  name  and  figure  are 
found  on  coins  of  the  Antonine  period.  6.  Fiduciam  ac  robur, 
confidence  and  strength  (in).  D.  finds  a  hendiadys  in  these  words 
(robuttam  fiduciam).  8.  Mala,  the  evils  themselves.  9.  Ingenia 
Studiaque,  genius  and  its  pursuits.  Oppresseris,  you  may  crush. 
A.  A  S.  g  261,  2,  Rem.  2,  and  Rem.  4;  H.  485;  B.  1177;  A.  60,  2, 
a;  G.  250. 

10-18.  Subit,  steal*  upon  us;  a  poetical  use  of  the  word.  12. 
Quid,  sc.  ais  or  eentei.  A.  A  S.  g  229,  Rem.  3,  2 ;  Z.  §  769.  Qnin- 
decim  annos,  the  length  of  Domitian's  reign,  from  A.  D.  81  to  96. 
13.  Promptissimus  quisque,  all  the  most  active  men.  14.  Fauci, 
a  few  of  us.  TJt  ita  dixerim.  =  so  to  speak.  Dixerim  instead  of 
dicam  occurs  only  in  later  or  post-classical  writers.  Z.  §  528.  The 
proposition  on  which  the  subjunctive  with  nt  here  depends  is 
omitted.  A.  A  S.  g  262,  Rem.  8.  15.  Aliorum,  of  others,  in  a 
physical  sense;  but  nostri  (from  ego),  of  ourselves,  morally  and 
intellectually  ;  we  are  not  what  we  were. 

Alas !  for  this  gray  shadow,  once  a  man.  —  TUhonus. 

For  the  case  see  A.  A  S.  g  222,  Rem.  2  (a)  ;  H.  391,  2,  4) ;  B.  863; 
G.  356,  Rem.  1.  Superstites,  turvivors.  16.  Quibus,  during 
which;  ablat.  of  duration  of  time.  Juvenes  (with  not,  in  the 
verb),  those  of  us  who  were  young  men.  18.  Per  silentium.  The 
silence  of  intellectual  inactivity. 

18-22.  Non  pigebit,  it  will  not  prove  irksome  =  it  will  afford  me 
pleasure.  19.  Vel  —  VOC6,  even  in  inartistic  and  unpolished  language. 
The  expression  has  a  vein  of  poetry  in  it.  Memoriam  —  compo- 
suisse  Tacitus  here  refers  to  his  Annals  and  Histories.  20. 
Bonorum,  bletsings,  advantages.  21.  Interim,  i.  e.  the  Agricola 
is  first  to  be  published,  and  the  Histories  will  soon  follow.  22. 
Professione  pietatis,  from  its  profession  of  filial  regard.  Ant  — 
ant,  denoting  absolute  exclusion  or  substitution.  A.  &  S.  g  198,  2, 
Rem.  (e) ;  H.  587,  II.,  2;  A.  43,  c;  G.  495;  Z.  §  339. 

24-28.  Cnaeus  Julius  Agricola,  the  name  in  full,  consisting  of 
three  parts;  of  which  Cnaeus  (also  Cneus,  Gnaeus,  Gneus,  ab- 
breviated Cn.)  is  the  praenomen  or  name  belonging  only  to  the 
individual ;  Julius,  the  name  of  the  gens,  house,  or  clan,  often 
embracing  many  families,  and  founded  originally  on  blood-relation- 
ship; and  Agricola,  the  name  of  one  of  such  families:  the  prae- 


180  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

47  nomen,  nomen,  and  cogn5men.  A.  &  S.  g  279,  9,  (6) ;  B.  1538,  1- 
4;  Z.  §  797.  Forojuliensium,  lit.  of  the  Forojulians  =  of  Forum 
Julii,  a  town  in  Gaul,  founded  by  C.  Julius  Caesar,  44  B.  C.  25. 
Colonia,  ablat.  of  source.  A.  &  S.  g  246 ;  H.  425,  3  ;  B.  918;  A. 
54  2  •  G.  395.  Procuratorem.  These  procurators  exacted  the 
tribute  from  the  provinces,  and  acted  as  stewards  where  the 
emperors  had  possessions.  They  corresponded  to  the  quaestores 
in  the  senatorial  provinces.  S.  26.  Equestris  nobilitas.  By 
this  statement  Tacitus  desires  to  inform  us  that  his  grandfathers 
belonged  to  the  equestrian  order,  and  were  not  freedinen ;  as  freed- 
men  were  appointed  procurators  by  some  of  the  emperors.  27. 
Senator!!  ordinis.  Ordo  is  applied  to  any  body  of  men,  who 
form  a  distinct  class  in  the  community,  either  by  possessing  dis- 
tinct privileges,  pursuing  certain  trades  or  professions,  or  in  any 
other  way.  It  was  never  applied  to  the  plebes.  Diet.  Antiqq.  28. 
Sapientiae  =philosophiae.  Notus,  so.  erat.  Can  Caesaris. 
Caligula  is  meant.  MeritUS,  sc.  est,  he  earned. 

48  1-13.  M.  Silanum,  a  consular,  and  father-in-law  of  Caligula. 
Jussus,  so.  est.  3.  In  —  sinu,  i.  e.  under  her  own  personal  care 
and  supervision.  4.  Omnem  —  cultum,  all  the  culture  of  liberal 
studies.  5.  Arcebat  eum,  etc.  The  subject  of  the  verb  is  the 
clause  quod  —  habuit;  it  kept  him  from  the  allurements  of  the 
vicious,  etc.  6.  Peccantium  is  a  substantive  here.  See  Lex.  7. 
Quod  —  parvulus  =  that  even  when  a  child;  or,  from  his  earliest 
boyhood.  8.  Massiliam  (now  Marseilles),  a  Greek  colony,  which 
early  became  a  seat  of  learning.  Locum — mixtum  instead  of 
locum  in  quo  —  mixtae  sunt.  D.  A  literal  translation  is  harsh 
and  inexact.  Render  thus :  a  place  with  a  mixture  and  a  happy 
combination  of  Grecian  politeness  and  provincial  thrift.  11.  Prima 
in,  in  his  earliest.  Acrius,  too  eagerly.  12.  Quam,  a  conjunction 
following  ultra  which  has  the  force  of  a  comparative.  Conces- 
sum  (sc.  erat)  —  senator!,  because  statesmanship  and  politics,  not 
philosophy,  were  more  becoming  to  a  Roman.  Hausisse,  had 
drunk  in,  had  imbibed ;  for  hausturum  fttiste,  because  the  writer 
wishes  to  represent  the  result  with  greater  vividness  and  certainty. 
14-18.  Scilicet,  naturally,  you  may  well  suppose.  Erectum, 
lofty,  pursuing  noble  themes.  15.  Speciem,  the  ideal.  In  this 
sense  "  schon  bei  Cicero."  D.  16.  Quam  caute.  Strictly  classical 
usage  (which  Tacitus  generally  follows)  would  require  Cautius. 
A.  &  S.  §  256,  Rem.  12 ;  H.  444,  2 ;  B.  903 ;  A.  47,  7  ;  G.  314  ;  Z.  § 
690.  Mitigavit,  sc.  eum.  17.  Ratio  et  aetas,  (maturer)  reason 


AGRICOLA.  181 


and  age.    Quod  est  difficillimum,  i.  e.  self-government,  because  48 
it  requires  the  consistent  exercise  of  all  the  virtues.     Ex  —  modum, 
moderation  from  (the  study  of)  philosophy. 

19-28.  Prima  —  rudimenta,  the  first  rudimentary  duties  of  mili- 
tary service  ;  as  we  would  say,  his  first  campaigns.  20.  Approba- 
Vit,  lie  performed  in  a  manner  satisfactory.  The  sense  is,  he  served 
his  military  novitiate  in  a  manner  satisfactory  to  Suetonius  Pau- 
linus.  21.  ElectUS  —  aestimaret;  having  been  selected  (by  Pau- 
linus)  that  he  might  form  an  estimate  of  him  by  means  of  tent-com- 
panionship (or,  by  attendance  on  him  as  an  aide-de-camp).  Notice 
quern  =  ?i<  eum,  and  hence  aestimaret,  subjunctive  of  purpose. 
Nee  —  neque,  neither  —  nor.  22.  Licenter,  wantonly.  More 
juvenum,  V.  c.  the  young  Romans  who  attended  the  commanding 
general  and  had  a  contubernium  with  him,  for  the  purpose  of 
learning  the  art  of  war.  23.  Commeatus,  fin-loughs.  24.  Titu- 
lum,  the  title.  These  young  men  were  military  tribunes  only,  in 
name.  Rettulit  (retulit),  translate,  used,  or  availed  himself  of ; 
lit.  referred  to  an  end.  Noscere,  to  know;  the  historical  infinitive, 
which  may  here  be  translated  as  an  infinitive  without  prejudice  to 
the  sense.  25.  Exercitui,  to  the  army,  as  a  man  of  ability.  26. 
In  jactatiouem,  for  display  ;  as  material  for  boasting.  28.  Non 
—  alias,  assuredly  at  no  other  time.  Exercitatior,  more  agitated/ 
for  the  reasons  which  immediately  follow.  In  amhiguo,  in  regard 
to  the  possession  of  it. 

1-9.  Trucidati  (erant)  veteran!,  in  the  colony  of  Camulodunum,  AQ 
the  only  Roman  colony  in  Britain.  2.  Intercept!  (erant),  had 
been  cut  off,  i.  e.  and  destroyed.  "Codicum  scriptura  intersepti 
non  ferenda  est."  W.  3.  Certavere,  sc.  Britanni.  Alterius,  i.  e. 
of  Suetonius  Paulinus.  4.  Summa  rerum,  the  chief  direction  of 
affairs.  5.  In  ducem  cessit,  fell  to  the  share  of  the  general. 
Artem,  skill.  6.  Jnveni,  Agricola.  7.  Temporibus,  dative 
limiting  ingrata ;  a  delicate  way  of  saying,  "  the  emperors  of  the 
times."  Sinistra,  an  unfavorable. 

10-21.  Ad  —  magistratUS  =  with  a  view  to  entering  upon  the 
jtnblic  offices;  commencing  with  the  quaestorship  and  ending 
with  the  consulship.  11,  Natalibus,  lineage.  This  sense  belongs 
to  the  silver  age.  13.  Nitenti,  sc.  ei,  to  him  striving.  Decus,  a 
distinction.  14.  In  —  antoponendo,  by  mutually  preferring  one 
another.  Cf.  "  in  honor  preferring  one  another."  Rom.  12  :  10. 
15.  Nisi  quod,  except  that,  is  intended  to  modify  what  is  really 
only  implied  in  the  preceding  words:  they  lived  in  wonderful 

Q 


182  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

49  harmony  (and  that  wan  praiseworthy  in  them  both),  except  that,  etc. 
Tanto  —  quantO  =  a»  much  —  as  ;   ablatives  of  degree  of  differ- 
ence.    16.    Sors  quaesturae.    The  quaestors   drew  lots  for  their 
provinces.    17.  Proconsulem.    A  proconsul  was  generally  ft  con- 
sular or  ex-consul.     Dedit,  sc.  Agricolae.     18.  Neutro,  !>y  neither  ; 
dative  of  the  agent.     19.  Peocantibu8,/w  offenders,-  the  participle 
as  a  noun.     20.  Quantalibet  facilitate,  with  »ny  facility  however 
great,  i.  e.  by  allowing  Agricola  every  facility  to  plunder.     Re- 
dempturus  esset,  teas  ready  to  purchase ;  the  subjunctive  repre- 
sents the  intention  as  it  existed  in  the  mind  of  Salvius  Titianus. 
21.  Mutuam,  i.  e.  for  himself,  and  on  the  part  of  Agricola.     Mali, 
of  wrong,  of  peculation  and  plunder. 

21-28.  Auctus  est  filia.  Cicero  uses  a  similar  expression.  This 
filia  was  afterwards  the  wife  of  Tacitus.  22.  In  subsidium,  a«  a 
support  for  the  loss  of  his  son.  Ante  sublatum  =  previously  born  ; 
lit.  previously  taken  up,  in  allusion  to  the  Roman  custom  by  which 
new-born  infants  were  placed  on  the  ground,  and  if  the  father 
chose  to  acknowledge  and  rear  them,  he  lifted  them  up.  23. 
Inter,  beticeen.  28.  Fuit  =  «<«o<£.  "27.  Nee  —  obvenerat,  for  no 
jurisdiction  (administering  of  justice)  had  fallen  to  his  lot.  The 
functions  of  the  praetors  were  properly  judicial.  After  the  first 
Punic  war  there  were  two:  the  praetor  nrbanus,  for  Roman  citizens, 
and  the  praetor  peregrinus,  for  foreigners.  Their  number  was 
subsequently  increased  and  varied  at  different  times.  Agricola, 
it  seems,  was  one  of  those  whose  chief  duty  was  the  superintend- 
ence of  the  public  games.  28.  Inania  honoris  =  empty  honors; 
or  perhaps,  the  pageantry  of  his  office.  Medio  —  abundantiae 
midway  between  reasonableness  unit  superfluity,  i.  e.  yielding  a  little 
to  the  extravagance  of  such  occasions,  and  abstaining  from  the 
pomp  and  sum^tuousness  aimed  at  by  some  for  the  purpose  of 
ingratiating  themselves  with  the  people.  Medio  is  ablative  of 
manner  =  according  to  the  mean. 

50  1-5.   Uti  longe  — ita  propior,    although  far  from,   extravagant 
profusion,  yet  nearer  to  his  reputation  or  character.     On  this  pass- 
age Wex    remarks :     Mireris    interpretes    a   vera    horum    verbvnnn 
sententia  prorsus    aberrasse.  —  Dicit  igitur   Tacitus:   quo   magis  a 
luxuria  remotus  erat,   eo  propior   erat  famae  sttae.      Nihil  alind 
enim  ab  Agricola  exspectatum  erat.  —  Fecisse  igitur  vidcbatur  Agri- 
cola,  quod  Graeci  diciint  oftuia  iavrw  miiiv.     A.  &  S.  (5  277,  Rem.  12, 
(6);  G.  484,  2 ;  Z.  §  726.     2.  Rocognoscenda,  inspecting,  examin- 
ing.    3.  Ne  CUJUS,  etc.,  that  the  state  had  felt  the  sacrilege   of  no 


AGRICOLA.  183 

Page 

one  else  than  Nero  ;  the  state  had  experienced  a  general  spoiling  50 
of  its  temples  in  the  conflagration,  and  by  the  immediate  robberies 
of  Nero ;  but  when  Agricola  had  completed  his  search  and  collec- 
tion, the  state  found  that  it  had  felt  only  the  sacrilege  of  Nero, 
everything  having  been  recovered  except  what  he  had  appropriated. 
Hence  the  unusual  use  and  force  of  the  pluperfect. 

6-24.  Sequens  annus,  A.  D.  69.  7.  Othoniana,  of  Otho,  at  this 
time  emperor.  Licenter,  wantonly,  i.  e.  for  plunder.  9.  Suis,  her 
own.  11.  Sollemnia  pietatis,  the  solemn  duties  of  filial  affection. 
12.  Affectati,  aspired  to,  aimed  at.  13.  Deprehensus  (est),  he  was 
overtaken.  Partes  (ejus),  kin  party,  side.  15.  Mucianus,  Ves- 
pasian's lieutenant.  Regebat,  during  the  absence  of  Vespasian, 
who  was  in  Judea  when  he  was  proclaimed  emperor.  Domitiano, 
son  of  Vespasian.  16.  Paterna  fortuna,  in  becoming  emperor. 
Is,  Mucianus.  17.  Ad  —  agendos,  to  conduct  the  levies  or  conscrip- 
tion of  soldiers.  18.  Vicesimae  legioni,  one  of  the  legions 
stationed  in  Britain.  Sacramentum,  the  military  oath  of  allegiance. 
20.  Legatis  consularibus,  to  the  consular  lieutenants.  Under  the 
empire,  the  provinces  were  governed  by  men  who  had  been  either 
consuls  or  praetors,  and  the  former  were  always  accompanied  by 
three  legati,  the  latter  by  one.  These  vicegerents  of  the  emperor 
were  called  legati  consnlares,  legati  praetorii,  etc.  In  the  present 
instance  these  legati  were  the  chief  officers  of  the  province,  where 
each  legion  had  its  own  legatus  praetorius.  21.  Nimia,  too  much 
for,  too  strong.  22.  Incertum  (est  utrum)  suo  (ingenio).  Suo  — 
ingenio,  from  his  own  temper  or  that  of  the  soldiers;  "Either 
because  he  did  not  know  how  to  command,  or  they  to  obey."  S. 
24.  Maluit  —  fecisse  contains  a  suggestion  useful  to  all  those  who 
are  appointed  to  govern. 

25-28.  Tune,  A.  D.  69.  27.  Vim  suam,  his  oicn  spirit  or  energy. 
Ne  incresceret,  that  he  miyht  not  yrow  too  great,  i.  e.  become  too 
conspicuous  and  eclipse  his  superiors.  28.  Peritus  obsequi. 
This  construction  is  rare  in  good  prose.  A.  &  S.  $  270,  Rem.  1, 
(a);  H.  552,  3;  B.  1121  and  1331;  A.  57,  8,/,  3;  G.  429,  Rem.  4; 
Z.  §  598.  Honestis,  with  the  honorable  ;  ablative  of  means. 

1-10.  Brevi  deinde.  In  A.  D.  71.  Consularem,  the  consular,  51 
now  legatus.  2.  Spatium  exemplorum  =  a  field  for  (displaying 
themselves  as)  examples.  3.  Modo,  only.  4.  Communicabat,  «e. 
cum  Agricola.  5.  Ex  eventu,  in  consequence  of  the  result,  i.  e.  his 
success.  6.  In,  with  a  view  to.  7.  Gestis,  ablat.  of  cause.  Auc- 
toreni  cannot  be  translated  here  by  any  single  word ;  kin  superior 


184  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

51  officer  gives  the  sense  very  nearly.  Ut  minister,  as  a  subordinate 
officer.  8.  Fortunam,  hit  good  fortune,  his  success.  Virtute  in 
obsequendo,  by  his  manliness  in  showing  deference.  9.  Nee  extra, 
but  not  beyond  the  reach  of. 

11-19.  Legatione,  the  lieutenancy.  Divus,  t.  e.  he  was  dims  at 
the  time  when  Tacitus  wrote  this.  13.  Praeposuit.  In  A.  n.  74. 
Splendidae  dignitatis,  a  genitive  of  description  or  quality.  In- 
primis  =  imprimis,  t.  n.  in  primis,  especially,  particularly.  14. 
Administratione,  in  its  administration,  from  the  importance  of  the 
command.  Spe  consulatus,  ;'.  e.  the  government  of  Aquitania 
served  as  a  stepping-stone.  Destinarat,  «c.  Vespasianus.  15. 
Ingeniis,  geniuses;  or,  minds.  Subtilitatem,  acuteness,  the 
faculty  of  drawing  nice  distinctions.  16.  Secura,  careless,  in 
regard  to  the  subtleties  and  refinements  of  law.  Obtusior,  rather 
blunt.  17.  Plura  —  agens,  dealing  tuore  icith  force,  and  not  with 
persuasion  and  legal  subtleties.  Exerceat,  subjunctive  (in  oratio 
obliqua)  to  reflect  the  sentiments  of  plerique.  18  Quamvis  — 
tOgatOS  (civilians),  i.  e.  not  now  in  the  camp,  but  acting  as  a  judge 
amid,  civilians.  "  Suits  could  be  carried  on  only  in  the  toga  and 
in  Latin."  S. 

20-28.  Couventus,  the  judicial  assemblies  —  the  circuit  courts. 
21.  Poscerent,  potential  subjunctive;  the  idea  is,  whenever  they 
might  demand  it,  as  often  as  they  might  demand  it.  22.  Satis 
factum  (esset),  enough  had  been  done.  Ultra  =  farther,  more. 
23.  Persona,  the  character,  the  official  mien  ;  "  He  no  longer  played 
the  magistrate."  S.  "  Dann  war  die  Amtsmiene  abgclegt."  D. 
Tristitiam,  sternness,  of  the  magistrate.  Arrogantiam,  his  lordly 
bearing,  demanding  a  rigid  exaction  of  respect  to  dignity.  Ava- 
ritiam,  t.  e.  what  might  seem  to  be  avarice  in  one  who  exacted,  to 
the  last  farthing,  payment  of  tribute  or  revenues.  24.  Illi  — A»*. 
Facilitas,  affability.  25.  Amorem,  i.  e.  of  others  for  him.  26. 
Referre,  to  mention,  to  call  to  mind.  Injuria  —  fuerit,  may  pnn-e 
a  wrong  to  his  virtues.  Fuerit  is  subjunctive  of  modest  or  cautious 
statement.  A.  A  S.  g  260,  Kern.  4;  H.  486,  III.  3;  B.  1179;  A. 
60,  2,  6  ;  G.  252,  Hem.  1 ;  Z.  §  527.  28.  Per  artem  =  artfully,  by 
artifices. 

52  1-11.  Collegas,  i.  e.  officers  of  the  same  grade  with  himself, 
governors  of  neighboring  provinces  in  Gaul  and  Spain.  2.  Pro- 
curatores.  The  procuratores  looked  after  the  taxes,  paid  tho 
troops,  and  generally  were  intrusted  with  the  interests  of  the 
Fiscus.  Diet.  Antiyq.  Vincere,  to  win  a  victory  in  disputes  with 


AGRICOLA.  185 


his  subordinates.  3.  Atteri,  to  be  trampled  upon,  i.  e.  to  suffer  52 
injury  to  his  dignity.  Triennium,  than  three  years.  Why  not 
ablative  after  minus?  A.  &  S.  §  256,  Rem.  6,  (a);  H.  417,  3;  B. 
900;  A.  54,  5,  c;  G.  311,  Kern.  4;  Z.  §  485.  5.  Opinione,  t.  e. 
public  opinion.  6.  Dari,  teas  being  given ;  instead  of  datum  iri, 
in  order  to  represent  more  vividly  the  certainty  that  it  would  be 
given.  Nullis  —  sermonibus  =  without  any  remarks  of  his  own  to 
that  end :  sermonibus,  ablative  absolute,  and  hoc,  accusative.  8. 
Et  elegit,  it  has  (sometimes)  even  chosen,  i.  e.  caused  a  man  to  be 
chosen.  Consul.  In  A.  D.  77.  Turn,  even  then,  at  that  age.  Spei, 
genitive  of  quality,  limiting  filiam.  9.  Juveni.  Tacitus  was 
about  twenty-four  years  old  at  the  time.  Collocavit,  he  gave  her 
in  marriage,  10.  Pontificatus.  The  Roman  pontiffs  formed  the 
most  illustrious  among  the  great  colleges  of  priests.  The  college 
of  pontiffs  had  the  supreme  superintendence  of  all  matters  of  re- 
ligion. The  pontifex  maximus  was  the  president  of  the  college, 
and  was  generally  chosen  from  among  the  most  distinguished  per- 
sons. Diet.  Antiqq. 

12-28.  Scriptoribus,  dative  of  the  agent.  13.  In,  for,  with  a 
view  to.  Curae  ingeniive,  of  my  diligence  or  talent,  with  that  of 
others.  14.  Perdomita  est.  Notice  the  intensive  force  of  per, 
thoroughly.  15.  Priores,  former  writers.  Pei'COluere,  have  em- 
bellished. 16.  Berum  fide,  on  the  evidence  of  facts.  17.  Spatio 
ao  caelo,  in  extent  and  in  climate ;  Germaniae  obtenditur  =  it 
lies  opposite  to  Germany ;  i.  e.  it  faces  Germany  on  the  east,  and  its 
climate  is  the  same.  "The  old  geographers  gave  the  northern 
coast  of  Spain  a  north-westerly  direction ;  and,  unacquainted  with 
the  extent  to  which  Bretagne  reached  westward,  made  the  coasts 
of  Gaul  and  Germany  run  in  an  almost  uniform  north-easterly 
direction."  Tacitus  seems  to  have  placed  Britain  in  the  angle  thus 
formed.  19.  Gallis,  dative  of  the  agent.  Inspicitur,  it  is  seen. 
22.  Fabius  Rusticus,  a  contemporary  of  Claudius  ajpd  Nero,  who 
wrote  the  history  of  his  times.  23,  Scutulae,  (kind  of)  dish;  the 
word  also  means  a  mathematical  figure,  whose  sides  were  not  equal, 
nor  were  its  angles  right  angles ;  probably,  then,  a  trapezium. 
24.  Citra,  on  this  side  of,  i.  e.  excluding.  In  universum,  to  the 
whole  island.  Fama  is  nominative.  26.  Procurrentium  —  ter- 
rarum,  of  land  jutting  out  from  what  is  almost  the  end  of  the  coast, 
i.  e.  from  what  would  be  the  northern  terminus  of  the  coast,  were 
it  not  for  this  jutting  strip  of  land.  Jam  does  not  refer  to  time, 
but  rather  to  that  part  of  our  progress  northward,  where  the  coast 

Q2 


186  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

52  (now, /am)  comes  to  an  end.  27.  Hano  oram,  the  wedge-like  pro- 
jection, on  the  north.  28.  Novissimi,  of  the  farthest.  Tune  pri- 
mum,  i.  e.  in  the  time  of  Agricola. 

co  1-14.  Circumvecta  =  by  sailing  round.  The  passive  of  veho 
and  its  compounds  is  often  used  in  a  deponent  sense,  to  ride,  to 
sail,  etc.  2.  Orcadas,  the  Orkneys.  Greek  form  of  the  accusative. 

3.  Dispecta  est,  teas  descried  ;  or,  was  seen  at  a  distance.     Thule. 
Iceland  has  the  best  claim  to  be  identified  with  Thule.     Hactenus 
jussum  (erat),  t.  e.  the  orders  were  limited  to  circumnavigation. 

4.  Mare    pigrum.     Cf.  Germania,  45.       6.    Perinde,  in  the  same 
manner  as  other  seas.     Credo,  /  suppose,  is  thrown  in  parentheti- 
cally.    9.  Hujus  —  est,  belongs  to  this  work;  operis  is  predicate 
genitive.    Kettulere,  have  related  it.    10.  Unum  addiderim,  one 
thing  I  may  add;  the  verb  is  subjunctive  of  modest  statement,  to 
soften  the  assertion.     Dominari   mare,  does  the  sea  exercise  its 
dominion.      11.     Multum     fluminum  =  many     currents.       Litore 
tenus,  (only)  as  far  as   the  shore.     12.  Accrescere  refers  to  the 
flow,  and   resorberi  (is  drawn  back),  to  the  ebb.     Penitus,  fur 
inland.     13.  Atque  ambire,  and  winds  about,  following  the  course 
of  the  depressions  of  the  land.     Jugis,  upon  the  heights.     Inseri  = 
is  forced,  is  urged.     14.   In  SUO  (sc.  campo  or  regno),  in  its  own 
dominions.     "  Es  schaltet  und  wallet  wie  in  Beinern  lleiche."    W. 
"  In  seinem  eigenen  Gebiet."    D. 

16-28.  (Utrum)  indigenae  an.  A.  &  S.  §  265,  Hem.  2;  H.  346, 
II.,  2,  2);  B.  HOT;  A.  71,  2,  a;  G.  460.  Advecti  =  strangers. 
Ut  =  08  might  be  expected.  17.  HabitUS,  the  characteristics.  Ex 
CO,  from  that  fact.  18.  Argumenta  (sunt),  there  are  arguments  for 
their  definite  origin.  20.  Silurum.  The  Silures  inhabited  Wales. 
Colorati,  the  dark,  sun-browned.  Torti,  curly.  21.  Contra, 
opposite  to  them ;  since  Tacitus  supposed  Spain  to  run  a  consider- 
able distance  in  a  north-west  direction.  22.  Fidem  faciunt,  create 
the  belief.  Ej;,  also.  Similes,  sc.  iis  vel  Gallis.  23.  Originis,  i. 
e.  of  their  supposed  Gallic  origin.  Vi,  the  influence,  the  native 
force.  Seu  —  dedit,  or  their  countries  projecting  in  different  direc- 
tions (so  as  to  be  nearly  parallel  to  each  other),  the  location  of  their 
climate  has  given  (this)  character  to  their  bodies.  Positio,  »'.  e. 
with  reference  to  latitude  and  longitude.  25.  In  —  aestimanti. 
Compare  Germania,  6.  26.  Eorum,  i.  e.  Gallorum.  Sacra,  sacred 
rites.  27.  Superstitionum  pcrsuasiones,  their  belief  in  super- 
stitions, their  superstitious  beliefs.  Tacitus  means  that  the  same 
rites  and  beliefs  prevailed  in  Britain  as  in  Gaul.  Sermo.  their 
language.  28.  In  —  periculis.  Cf.  Cues.  B.  G.  III.,  19. 


AGRICOLA.  187 

Page 

2-7.  Feroeiae,  of  dauntless  spirit.  Praefemnt,  display.  Ut  54 
quos  =  cum  eos ;  introducing  a  relative  clause  expressing  a  reason, 
the  relative  being  at  the  same  time  strengthened  by  ut;  hence 
eniollierit,  subjunctive  of  cause.  A.  &  S.  §  264,  8,  (2) ;  H.  519, 
3:  B.  1253:  A.  65,  2,  e;  G.  636.  4.  Otio,  peace.  5.  Pariter  ac, 
equally  with.  6.  Olim,  formerly,  implying  that  they  have  remained 
in  subjection  a  long  time.  Quales —  fuerunt,  such  as  the  Gauls 
were,  i.  e.  full  of  martial  spirit. 

9-16.  Honestior  auriga  (est),  the  charioteer  is  the  more  honor- 
able, i.  e.  greater  honor  attaches  to  his  position  than  to  that  of  the 
combatants.  Clientes  propugnant,  the  vassals  fight  for  him;  i.  e. 
while  the  chief  drives,  his  vassals  fight  from  the  chariot.  In  the 
Trojan  war,  the  rank  of  the  charioteer,  among  both  Greeks  and 
Trojans,  was  inferior  to  that  of  the  chief,  who  did  the  fighting. 
11.  Et  Studiis,  and  by  party  spirit.  Aliud,  sc.  est.  12.  In  Com- 
mune,  for  the  common  welfare,  advantage.  13.  Civitatibus,  dative 
of  the  possessor  :  two  or  three  states  rarely  have,  etc.  16.  Foedum 
(est),  t*  murky. 

17-28.  Spatia,  the  lengths,  sc.  sunt.  Nostri  orbis  (for  dierum 
nostri  orbis),  of  our  quarter  of  the  world.  Pliny  says  that  in  Italy 
the  longest  day  lasts  fifteen  hours ;  in  Britain,  seventeen.  S.  Nox 
—  brevis,  i.  e.  of  course,  in  summer;  in  winter  the  nights  are 
correspondingly  long.  18.  Ut,  so  that.  19.  Discrimine,  interval. 
Quod  Si,  and  if.  20.  Soils  fulgOrem,  the  brightness  of  the  sun, 
not  the  sun  himself.  21.  Sed  transire,  but  passes  across  the 
horizon.  The  lowest  latitude  at  which  the  sun  himself  could  thus 
graze  the  horizon  is  sixty-six  degrees.  The  north  of  Scotland  is 
a  little  below  the  parallel  of  fifty -nine.  22.  Scilicet  —  cadit, 
naturally,  the  flat  extremities  of  the  earth,  with  their  low  shadow,  do 
not  cast  the  darkness  upward  (do  not  permit  darkness  to  rise  high), 
and  night  falls  beneath  the  sky  and  the  stars.  On  this  passage  it 
may  be  remarked,  that  Tacitus  here  supposes  the  surface  of  the 
earth  to  be  arched,  like  a  round  shield ;  with  greater  flatness 
towards  the  rim  of  the  shield,  hence  extrema  et  plana  terrarum 
(the  extreme  and  flat  parts  of  the  earth) ;  that  these  flat  parts  cast 
but  a  low  shadow,  and  that  night  is  caused  by  the  shadow  of  the 
earth  being  projected  into  the  heavens;  and  hence  that  the  region 
of  night,  in  this  part  of  the  world,  falls  near  the  surface  of  the 
earth,  below  the  higher  skies  and  stars,  which  are  illumined  by  the 
sun.  Umbra  is  ablative  of  description.  25.  Patiens  (est),  is 
capable  of  bearing.  26.  Mitescunt,  sc.  fruges.  27.  Caelique,  and 


188  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

54  of  &*   atmosphere.     28.    Pretium  victoriae,  (lie  price  of  victory. 
Hence  we  see  that  Britain   paid  tribute   in  money,  not  tithe  in 
produce. 

55  1-6-  Margarita.     The  form  margarittim  is  rarer  than  margarita. 
2,  Artem,  skitt.     Legentibus,  sc.  iis,  to  those  that  gather  them.     3. 
Kubro  mari,  in  general,  the  Indian  ocean;  but  the  Persian  yulf  is 
here  specially  meant.     Nam  SdXaaaa  epv^pd  complectitur  sinum  et 
Abrabicum    et    Persicum.     W.      Saxis,    ablative   of    separation, 
governed  by  a  in  composition  with  avelli.     4.  Avelli,  sc.  ea,  i.  e. 
margarita.     Expulsa  sint,  they  have  been  thrown  up  on  the  shore ; 
subjunctive  in  oratio  obliqua,  to  represent  the  sentiment  of  quidam. 
Ego.    Notice  the  use  of  the  pronoun ;  because  the  writer  contrasts 
his  view  with  that  of  others.     5.  Crediderim,  should  suppose  ;  sub- 
junctive of  cautious,  hypothetical  statement,  to  soften  the  asser- 
tion.    Naturam,  t.  e.  natural  excellence.     6.  Nobis  avaritiam, 
t.  e.  that  avarice  which  would  impel  us  to  seek  the  pearls  if  they 
were  worth  the  search. 

7-16.  Ipsi  Britanni.  What  is  the  force  of  ipsi  ?  From  a  de- 
scription of  the  country  and  its  products,  the  author  now  passes 
to  the  Britons  themselves.  Delectum,  recruiting;  the  furnishing 
of  troops.  Injuncta  —  munera,  the  imposed  services  of  the  state; 
the  duties  imposed  by  the  home  government  on  its  subjects,  in- 
cluding, especially,  extraordinary  contributions.  8.  Obeunt,  per- 
form. Has,  i.  e.  injurias.  9.  Aegre,  impatiently.  Ut,  so  that,  in 
so  far  that.  10.  Igitur,  then  ;  with  a  resumptive,  not  an  illative 
force;  resumptive  of  the  history  of  the  conquest.  11.  Julius  — 
ingressus.  Julius  Caesar  invaded  Britain  in  B.  c.  55  and  54.  On 
the  epithet  divus,  see  note,  page  19,  line  25.  12.  Terruerit.  As 
previously  remarked,  Tacitus  regularly  uses  the  subjunctive  after 
quamquam;  and,  generally,  in  later  Latin,  quamvis  and  quam- 
quam  change  parts.  13.  Potest  videri,  can  (only)  appear.  14. 
Bella  civilia,  «c.  fuerunt ;  the  civil  wars  between  Caesar  and 
Pompey,  and  Augustus  and  Antony.  15.  Consilium,  policy, 
political  prudence.  16.  Praeceptum,  an  injunction,  laid  upon  him 
by  his  predecessor ;  "  namlich  im  Testamente  des  Augustus,  gegen 
den  Tiberius  eine  grosse  Piet'at  zeigte."  D. 

17-23.  Agitasse  —  Caesarem,  that  Cains  Caesar  had  formed  the 
design.  The  words  ingentes  —  fuissent  show  that,  by  Caius 
Caesar,  Caligula  is  meant.  18.  Ni  —  fuisset.  To  this  protasis,  we 
must  mentally  supply,  as  an  apodosis,  et  intrasset.  Ni  velox,  sc. 
fuisset,  had  he  not  been  hasty  in  the  turn  of  his  mind.  Ingeaio  is 


AGRICOLA.  189 

Page 

ablative  of  specification.  Mobilis  poenitentiae,  easily  moved  to  55 
repentance  =  fickle  in  changing  his  mind.  The  passage  is  read 
differently  by  different  editors.  Wex,  from  one  MS.,  reads,  velox 
ingenio  mobili  poenitentia  (swift  to  repent  from  the  fickle  temper 
of  his  mind),  in  which  ingenio  mobili  stands  as  the  cause  of 
velox  poenitentia.  Mobilis  may  be  either  nominative,  agreeing 
with  Caesar,  or  genitive  agreeing  with  poenitentiae.  19.  Ad- 
versus  —  conatus,  in  39  B.  c.  Of.  Germ.  37 :  Mox  ingentes  C. 
Caesaris  miuae  in  ludibrium  versae.  20.  Claudius  auctor,  namely, 
through  his  generals  Plautius  and  Vespasian.  Auctor  operis. 
The  MSS.  generally  read  anctoritate  operis,  which  is  devoid  of 
sense.  Tandem  is  the  conjecture  of  Halm.  Kritz  and  Wex  read 
iterati  operis.  Operis,  of  the  work  of  subduing  Britain.  21.  In  — 
rerum,  to  a  share  in  the  undertakings.  22.  Domitae  (sunt).  23. 
Monstratus  (est)  fatis,  was  pointed  out  by  the  fates  as  a  m:m  of 
mark  and  a  future  emperor.  Fatis  is  probably  the  instrumental 
ablative,  (not  dative  of  the  agent),  AS  fata,  to  the  mind  of  Tacitus, 
was  likely  nothing  more  than  the  current  of  events,  or  the  force  of 
circumstances. 

24-28.  Consularium  primus,  i.  e.  first  in  the  list  of  consulars 
who  commanded  in  Britain.  25.  Ostorius.  Oyster-hill,  near  Here- 
ford, the  site  of  a  Roman  camp,  received  its  name  from  him.  S. 
26.  Proxima,  t.  e.  the  part  nearest  to  the  Romans,  in  general,  the 
southern  part.  27.  Veteranorum  colonia,  the  colony  of  veterans 
was  planted  at  Camulodunum,  now  Colchester;  the  first  Roman 
colony  in  Britain,  about  50  A.  D.  28.  Cogidumno  (Cogidunno, 
Cogiduno),  of  whom  nothing  else  is  known.  Donatae  (sunt),  to 
reward  his  fidelity  and  attach  him  to  Roman  interests. 

1-11.  Vetere  —  recepta,  according  to  the  old  and  long  received  (or  CO 
usual).  This  sense  of  receptus  is  post-classical.  3.  Ut  —  reges 
is  a  definition  of  consuetudine.  Et  reges,  even  kings.  4.  Didius 
Gallus  commanded  from  A.  D.  51  to  57.  Pa,Tt&  =  tJie  acquisitions; 
the  participle  used  substantively.  Prioribus,  hit  predecessors.  5. 
Ulteriora,  the  remoter  parts.  Per  quae  =  ut  per  ea,  and  hence  the 
following  subjunctive  of  purpose,  quaereretur.  6.  Fama  —  quae- 
reretur,  the  reputation  of  enlarged  duty  might  be  acquired,  namely, 
by  enlarging  the  limits  of  his  government.  Veranius  had  com- 
mand from  A.  D.  57  to  58.  7.  Suetonius  Paulinus  governed  from 
A.  D.  58  to  61.  8.  Biennio.  An  instance  of  the  use  of  the  ablative 
to  denote  duration  of  time.  Res,  success.  9.  Quorum  fiducia, 
through  his  confidence  in  which  garrisons  strongly  posted.  10. 


190  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

56  Monam,  in  Tacitus,  is  the  isle  of  Anglesea  ;  in  Caesar,  it  is  the 
isle  of  Man.  The  confusion  doubtless  arose  from  the  imperfect 
acquaintance  of  the  Romans  with  British  geography.  Ut,  as,  on 
the  ground  of.  Vires,  forces,  most  likely.  11.  Terga  —  patefecit, 
exposed  his  rear  to  a  favorable  moment  for  the  enemy.  How  the 
enemy  seized  upon  the  opportunity  is  explained  in  the  nezt 
chapter. 

12-19.  Absentia,  ablative  of  cause  —  the  cause  of  remote  metu. 
13.  Agitare,  discussed;  the  historical  infinitive.  Conferre,  com- 
pared, i.  e.  heard  individual  rehearsals  of  them.  14.  Interpre- 
tando,  by  explaining  their  meaning,  showing  the  evident  purpose 
of  them.  Accendere  =  aggravated  them.  Nihil  profici  (that 
nothing  teas  gained),  commences  a  series  of  reflections  and  decla- 
rations reported  in  oratio  obliqua,  and  continuing  to  the  end  of 
the  chapter.  15.  Tamquam,  so  to  speak,  modifies  ex  facili,  easily. 
The  latter  expression  is  Tacitean,  and  is  formed,  like  ex  insperato, 
ex  aperto,  etc.,  by  imitation  of  a  Greek  idiom.  16.  Singulos. 
Notice  the  force  of  the  distributive ;  one  king  for  each  nation. 
Binos,  i.  e.  the  legatus  and  the  procurator.  18.  Saeviret,  cruelly 
preyed;  subjunctive  in  oratio  obliqua.  Aeque  —  aeque,  equally. 
The  object  of  the  repetition  is  to  show  the  absolute  equivalency, 
so  far  as  they  were  concerned,  of  the  dissension  or  unanimity  of 
their  rulers.  Cf.  Hor.  Ep.  I.,  1,  25;  but  the  repetition  is  very  rare. 
Praepositorum,  of  their  governors  ;  a  substantive.  19.  Subjectis, 
«c.  iis,  to  them  in  their  subject  condition. 

19-28.  Alterius  —  centuriones,  the  band  (or  attendants)  of  the 
one,  the  centurions ;  referring  to  the  legatus  and  his  officers.  Per- 
haps the  literal  rendering,  the  hand  of  the  one,  the  centurions,  is 
just  what  Tacitus  meant ;  for,  "  kings  have  long  hands."  This 
passage  is  very  corrupt,  and  scarcely  any  two  editions  have  the 
same  reading  of  it.  20.  Alterius  —  miscere,  the  slaves  of  the 
other  (the  procurator)  minr/le  violence  and  insults.  21.  Cupiditati, 
dative  of  advantage.  Exceptum  (esse),  was  except ed  from.  22. 
Fortiorem  esse,  it  is  the  bntver.  A  general  proposition,  in  which 
the  emphasis  is  on  in  proelio :  i.  e.  if  we  come  to  battle,  we,  as 
the  braver,  shall  spoil  our  enemies.  Hence  too  the  emphasis  of 
nunc,  by  contrast:  now,  i.  e.  in  our  subjection.  24.  Tamquam  — 
nescientibus,  a*  if  ignorant  only  how  to  die  for  their  country ;  or, 
as  if  the  only  thing  they  did  not  know,  was  to  die  for  their  country. 
Nescientibus  agrees  with  ii'g  understood,  which  is  dative  governed 
by  injungi.  25.  Quantulum,  how  small  a  number.  Transisse, 


AGRICOLA.  191 

Page 

had  crossed  over.  Why  is  the  infinitive  used  here,  and  not  the  56 
subjunctive  (in  an  interrogative  clause  in  oratio  obliqua)  ?  A.  <fc 
S.  g  266,  2,  Rem.  1,  (c) ;  H.  530,  II.,  2 ;  B.  1296,  C;  A.  67,  1,  d; 
G.  654,  Rem.  1.  Si  —  numerent,  i.  e.  if  we  compare  our  numbers 
with  those  of  the  enemy.  26.  Germanias,  the  Germanics,  i.  e.  tho 
various  divisions  of  Germany,  the  nations  of  Germany.  27.  De- 
fendi,  so.  eas  =  Germanias.  28.  Illis,  i.  e.  Romanis.  Causas, 
the  motives. 

1-9.  Recessuros,  so.  eos  esse.  We  need  scarcely  suppose  that  57 
the  epithet  divus  formed  part  of  the  original  deliberations ;  the 
respect  belongs  to  Tacitus,  not  to  his  barbarian  enemies.  2.  Neve. 
The  ne,  of  which  neve  is  continuative,  is  implied  in  the  general 
force  of  the  preceding  exhortations,  that  they  should  not  be  dis- 
couraged. A.  &  S.  §  262,  Note  4;  H.  538,  1 ;  B.  1113;  G.  450. 
3.  Alterius,  of  a  second.  4.  Impetus,  impetuosity;  partitive 
genitive.  5.  Britannorum.  A.  &  S.  §  215;  11.406,  L;  B.  783; 
A.  50,  4,  c/  G.  376.  Qui  detinerent,  since  they  were  detaining. 
It  is  only  the  connection  of  the  thought  here  that  decides  this  to 
be  a  relative  clause  expressing  the  reason  of  what  goes  before;  the 
subjunctive  (in  oratio.  obliqua)  is  indecisive.  A.  &  S.  g  264,  8;  II. 
519  ;  B.  1251  ;  A.  65,  2,  e  ;  G.  636.  7.  Fuerit,  hurl  been;  in  oratio 
recta  it  was  fuit,  has  (all  along)  been,  down  to  the  present  moment. 
8.  Ejus  modi  =  such ;  it  is  a  genitive  of  quality  or  description. 

10-28.  The  events  narrated  in  this  chapter  occurred  A.  n.  61. 
In  vicem  instincti,  mutually  fired.  Boudicea.  The  name  is 
variously  spelled,  Boudicea,  Boodicea,  Boadicea.  11.  Generis, 
lineage;  genitive  of  description  or  quality.  Duce  =  une?er  the 
commando/.  Imperils,  positions  of  authority  ;  properly,  military 
offices ;  but  both  civil  and  military  functions  are  here  referred  to. 
14.  Coloniam,  Camulodunum.  15.  In  barbaris,  i.  e.  usual  among 
barbarians.  Ira  et  victoria,  the  subject  of  omisit.  The  Latin 
uses  greater  freedom  than  English  in  the  concord  of  verb  and  sub- 
ject. 16.  Quod  nisi,  and  (hud)  not.  17.  Amissa  foret  =  amissa 
esset.  See  Z.  $  156,  Note,  in  Jin.  18.  Restituit,  he  brought  back. 
Tenentibus  —  plerisque,  the  ablative  absolute  to  express  conces- 
sion; though  a  great  many  still  remained  in  arms.  20.  Proprius, 
a  peculiar ;  arising  from  the  character  of  the  man.  Ex,  of;  lit. 
from,  ?'.  e.  emanating  from,  as  a  source.  Agitabat,  kept  uneasy. 
Ne,  lest;  introducing  the  ground  of  the  fear  as  it  existed  in  tho 
minds  of  the  Britons.  21.  Cetera,  in  other  respects;  accusative  of 
specification.  Arroganter  cousuleret,  he  should  adopt  haughty 


192  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

f\7  measures.  22.  Igitnr,  f.  e.  because  he  could  not  crush  Out  the 
spirit  of  rebellion.  23.  Petronius  Tnrpilianns  had  command 
from  A.  D.  62-64.  Delictis,  dative.  24.  Eoque,  and  therefore,  CO 
being  ablative  of  cause.  Poenitentiae,  towards  their  repentance  f 
dative  =  M«  poenitentlbits.  Compositis  prioribus  former  troubles 
having  been  allayed.  25.  Ultra,  more.  26.  Trebellius  governed 
from  A.  D.  64-69.  Nullis,  with  no;  experiments S  (  =  experientia) 
being  ablative  of  quality.  27.  Curandi,  in  governing.  On  this 
sense  of  the  word  cf.  Sail.  Jug.  60.  28.  Ignoscere,  to  show  in- 
dulgence. If  we  retain  the  comma  after  ignoscere,  the  vitiis  fol- 
lowing becomes  ablative;  if  not,  dative.  On  its  retention  or 
rejection,  the  opinions  of  editors  are  nearly  evenly  divided. 

Kg  1-11.  Blandientibus,  displaying  their  attraction* ;  our  vices 
charming  them  into  this  indulgence.  Civilium  armorum  refers 
to  the  rapid  succession  of  civil  wars  which  followed  the  death  of 
Nero,  when  the  empire  became  a  sort  of  shuttlecock.  2.  Discordia 
laboratum  (est),  trouble  was  occasioned  by  discord,  between  Tre- 
bellius and  Caelius.  See  Hist.  I.  60.  3.  Cum,  since,  because. 
Otio  lasciviret,  became  demoralized  from  idleness,  4.  Order: 
Trebellius  indecorus  atque  humilis  ira  (on  account  of  the  anger) 
exercitus  vitata  fuga  ac  latebris.  5.  Praefuit,  sc.  exercitui.  6. 
Ac  velut  paoti  (sunt) :  and  they  stipulated,  as  it  were,  the  army  for 
unbridled  freedom,  the  general  for  safety.  7.  Stetit,  subsisted, 
maintained  itself.  Vettius  Bolanus  was  governor  from  A.  D.  69- 
71.  Under  him  Agrioola  commanded  the  twentieth  legion.  9. 
Disciplina,  by  his  discipline;  i.  e.  it  was  too  weak  to  disturb 
Britain.  10.  Nullis  invisis,  hated  for  no  ;  delictis  being  ablative 
of  cause.  11.  Caritatem  —  auctoritatis,  had  gained  (for  himself) 
affection  instead  of  authority. 

12-23.  Cetero  orbe,  i.  e.  the  rest  of  the  Roman  world  besides 
Britain.  13.  Eecuperavit,  i.  e.  from  the  confusion  and  strife  of 
the  civil  wars.  Duces,  sc.  erant.  14.  Intulit,  spread.  15.  Pe- 
tilius  Cerialis  commanded  from  A.  D.  71-75.  18.  Aut  victoria  — 
aut  bello,  i.  e.  he  either  wholly  subdued  or  harassed  by  war.  19. 
Alterius,  of  another,  i.  e.  Frontinus;  so  the  editors  generally, 
though  Wex  insists  that  Agricola  is  meant,  on  the  ground  that 
alter  cannot  be  used  in  the  sense  of  alhis.  It  may  be  remarked 
that  this  passage  is  corrupt,  and  that  the  MSS.  afford  no  solution 
to  its  difficulties.  20.  Sustinuitque.  Instead  of  que  we  should 
rather  expect  sed,  which  some  editors  adopt.  Molem,  the  burden, 
the  weight  of  responsibility.  21.  Quantum  licebat,  a*  much  a*  it 


AGRICOLA.  193 

Page 

tea*  permitted ;  modifying  sustinuit  molem.     The  limitation  has  5g 
reference,  doubtless,  to  the  peculiar  character  of  the  times,  when 
to  become  distinguished  was  dangerous.     22.  Super,  besides. 

24-28.  Agricola  now  takes  command,  A.  D.  78-85.  Vices,  vicis- 
situdes. 25.  Media  jam,  now  in  mid,  in  the  middle  of.  26.  Expe- 
ditione,  the  campaign.  Securitatem,  freedom  from  care.  27. 
VerterentUT,  in  a  deponent  sense,  were  turning,  were  betaking 
themselves.  Ordovicum,  in  Wales.  28.  Alam,  a  troop  of  cavalry ; 
lit.  a  wing,  because  the  Roman  cavalry  was  stationed  on  the  wings 
of  the  army.  Ala  was  properly  the  body  of  cavalry  belonging  to 
a  legion. 

1-11.  Agentem,  operating,  but  with  the  additional  idea  of  being  59 
stationed  or  quartered  there.  2.  Erecta  (est),  was  aroused.  Pro- 
vincia,  the  whole  province,  not  simply  the  state  of  the  Ordovices. 
Quibus  —  erat  =  those  who  wished  for  war.  The  construction  is 
imitated  from  the  Greek.  A.  &  S.  g  226,  Rem.  3 ;  H.  387,  3 ;  B. 
823;  G.  354,  Rem.;  Z.  £  420,  Note.  3.  Probare,  approved;  his- 
torical infinitive.  4.  Agricola  is  the  subject  of  statuit.  Quam- 
quam.  The  clauses  beginning  at  quamquam  end  at  videbatur. 
Transvecta  (est),  was  past.  A  Tacitean  sense  of  the  word. 
Sparsi  (sunt).  5.  Numeri,  divisions  of  the  army ;  a  post-Augustan 
use  of  the  word.  Praesumpta  (erat)  —  quies,  (though)  repose  for 
that  year  had  been  anticipated  (counted  on)  by  the  soldier.  6. 
Tarda  — inchoaturo,  circumstances  retarding  and  adverse  to  one 
about  to  begin  a  war.  These  words  are  in  apposition  with  the 
clauses  beginning  with  quamquam.  7.  Custodiri  suspecta  (loca), 
that  the  suspected  parts  should  be  watched.  Ire  obviam  —  to  face. 
8.  Vexillis,  the  detachments  ;  apparently,  detached  portions  of  the 
legions  each  under  a  vexillum.  9.  In  aequum,  into  the  plain  or 
the  level  ground.  11.  Simili,  by  his  equal.  Erexit  aciem,  led  hit 
army  up  the  hill.  Militaris  dictio,  admodum  frequens  apud 
Livium.  W. 

12-18.  Instandum  (esse  sibi)  famae  =  that  he  must  vigorously 
follow  up  the  reputation  thus  far  acquired.  13.  Prout  —  cessis- 
sent,  jiut  as  his  first  attempts  had  succeeded.  The  subjunctive  re- 
flects the  thoughts  of  Agricola  himself.  14.  Possessione,  from 
the  possession  ;  ablative  of  separation.  The  omission  of  a  is  quite 
noticeable,  though  it  is  a  well  established  fact  that  verbs  of  sepa- 
ration compounded  with  re  may  govern  the  ablative  without  a 
preposition.  16.  TTt  =  as  happens.  17.  Dubiis  consiliis,  doubtful 
plans,  i.  e.  whose  success  is  subject  to  uncertainty.  The  succes- 
13  — Agr.  R 


194  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

59  s'lve  stages  of  a  campaign  cannot  be  predicted  from  the  beginning. 
Ratio,  the  judgment,  understanding.  A  word  often  difficult  to 
translate.  18.  Transvexit,  «c.  copias. 

19-28.  Auxiliarium,  who  were  probably  Britons,  as  the  next 
clause  seems  to  prove.  Patrius,  peculiar  to  their  country,  as  ex- 
plained in  the  next  line.  20.  Quo,  by  which  ;  ablative  of  manner. 

22.  Mare,  the  aea,  and  not  the  land  as  the  first  objective  point  of 
their  enemies ;  or,  that  the  enemy  would  approach  by  sea  in  ships. 

23.  Crediderint.    After  the  historical  perfect  immisit,  crederent 
would  be  the  regular  tense.     This  violation  of  the  rule  of  sequence 
occurs  more  frequently  in  sentences  of  result,  as  here.    A.  &  S.  $ 
258,  Rem.  3,  (a)  and  (6);  H.  482,  2  j  B.  1168;  A.  58,  10,  c;  G. 
513.     The  perfect  in  such  cases  is  used  to  imply  final  result.     24. 
Haberi,  was  regarded;  historical  infinitive.     25.  Quippe — cui, 
because  —  him.     In   such   relative   clauses,   expressing   a   reason, 
Tacitus  generally  has  nt  qui.    A.  &  S.  §  264,  8,  (2) ;  H.  519,  3;  B. 
1251 ;  G.  636.     Quod  tempus,  the  time  that ;  the  time  just  after  a 
governor's    arrival,    ingredient!    provinciam.      26.   Officiorum 
ambitum,  a  round  of  official  courtesies  ;  such  ceremonies  as  would 
naturally  attend  the  advent  of  a  new  governor.     28.  TTsus,  making 
use  of.     Ezpeditionem,  (it)  a  campaign. 

CQ  1-4.  VietOS  OOntinuisse,  to  have  curbed  the  conquered.  2. 
Laureatis,  «c.  litteris  (which  is  rarely  omitted),  with  laureled  dis- 
patches. A  general  gaining  an  important  victory  forwarded  to 
Rome  the  announcement  of  it  in  letters  bound  up  with  laurel 
leaves,  the  laurel  being  the  emblem  of  victory.  Gesta,  hi»  achieve- 
ment^ i.  e.  a  report  of  them.  3.  Aestimantibus  =  in  the  eyes  of 
those  who  considered;  probably  a  dative  of  interest  or  reference, 
though  some  editors  make  it  ablative  absolute,  men  considering. 

5-17.  Animorum  prudens,  knotting  well  the  feelings,  temper  or 
disposition.  6-  Aliena,  of  others.  Parum  profioi,  that  but  little 
wns  gained.  8.  Domum  suam,  his  own  household,  i.  e.  his  own 
immediate  attendants  and  subordinates.  10,  Nib.il,  «c.  agere,  he 
transacted;  historical  infinitive.  11.  Rei  publicae,  (no)  public 
business;  partitive  genitive.  Studiis  privatis,  according  to  his 
own  private  inclinations.  Ex  commendatione,  of  others.  12. 
Milites.  The  reference  is  to  such  attendant  soldiers  as  clerks, 
lictors,  purveyors,  etc.  Ascire,  he  did  (not)  employ,  select.  13. 
Optimum  —  putare,  he  thought  all  the  bent  the  most  trustworthy. 
Omnia,  everything.  14.  Non  exsequi,  he  did  not  punish.  15. 
Poena,  ablative  of  cause.  17.  Non  pecoaturos  ==  eos  qui  non 


AGRICOLA.  195 

Page 

peccarent,  those  who  would  not  offend.     His  rule  was,  prevention  is   60 
better  than  cure.    " 

19-28.  Munerum,  of  burdens,  in  the  shape  of  contributions  of 
corn,  taxes,  and  tribute.  Circumcisis,  «c.  iis.  20.  Eeperta, 
dmised.  21.  Per  ludibrium,  in  mockery.  Assidere  (from  assideo) 

—  horreis,  to  sit  by  the  closed  granaries.     Tacitus  is  now  speaking 
of  enforced  contributions  of  corn  to  the  Roman  governor,  and  is 
noticing  the  cunning  methods  of  extortion  devised  by  the  Roman 
officials.     He  mentions  two.     First,  in    districts  where   corn  was 
either  scarce  or  had  been  bought  up  by  the  Romans  and  stored  in 
granaries,  the  Britons,  to  make  their  contributions,  must  come  to 
such  granaries,  where  they  often  had  to  wait  till  they  were  opened 
(hence,  assidere  —  horreis),  purchase  the  corn  with  money  (emere 

—  fr amenta) ;  and,  as  they  bought  it  from  the  Romans  to  give  to 
the  Romans,  the  corn  remained  in  the  granaries,  the  Britons  merely 
parting  with  their  money  (lucre — pretio).     Second,  in  districts 
where  corn  was  plenty,  the  contributions  had  to  be  conveyed  to 
distant  places  difficult  of  access,  and  it  was  less  troublesome  and 
cheaper  for  the  Britons  to  purchase  the  necessary  corn  (which  was 
already  in  the  hands  of  the  Romans)  with  money.     In  both  cases 
the  Britons  parted  with  their   money.     The  true  reading  of  the 
passage  is  subject  to  great  uncertainty,  and  editors  vary  in  their 
explanations  of  it.     The  explanation  gjven  is  that  of  Wex,  whose 
conjecture  of  luere  for  ludere  we  have  adopted.     22.  Ultro,  betides. 
Luere  pretio,  to  pay  with  the  price ;  or,  to  make  atonement  with 
the  price,  and  not  with  the  corn.     23.  Devortia  —  indiccbatur, 
by-way»  off  the  roads  and  a  distant  part  of  the  country  were  ap- 
pointed.    24.   Proximis   Mbemis,  the  winter   quarters  being  very 
near,  i.  e.  though  the  winter  quarters  were  close  to  them.     Et  avia, 
and  out  of  the  way  places.     25.  Deferrent,  sc.  frumentum.     Omni- 
bus —  erat,  everybody  had  at  hand,  i.  e.  corn.     Paucis,  the  governor 
and  his  officials.     27.  Statim,  at  once.     Comprimendo,  by  snppreiis- 
ing.     28.  Intolerantia,  from  the  insolence,  harshness. 

2-12.  In  agmine,  on  the  march.  3.  Disjectos,  lit.  the  scattered  gj 
--=the  stragglers.  4.  Castris,  dative.  Capere,  selected.  Many 
traces  of  these  camps  still  remain  ;  two  in  particular,  situated  in 
Annondale,  called  Burnswork  and  Middleby.  S.  5.  Quo  minus 
popularetur  =but  ravaged  them;  the  full  force  of  quo  minus  ap- 
pears only  in  connection  with  nihil :  nothing  —  whereby  he  should 
ravage  them  less.  8.  In,  until,  up  to.  Ex  aequo,  on  an  equality, 
as  independent  states.  10.  Circumdatae  (sunt).  Batione,  judg- 


196  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

61  ment;  method.    11.  TJt  —  transient.    The  reading  of  this  passage 
is  doubtful.     Some  editors  place  the  period  after  pars,  and  make 
illacessita  transiit  (changed  from  transient)   begin  the  next 
chapter.     We  follow   Halm,   Draeger,   and  Wex,  except  that  the 
latter  omits  pariter,  with  the  remark,  Alii  vtl  sic  vel  ita  vel  pariter 
ante  illacessita  excidisse  conjiciunt.      Illacessita.      A   word    used 
only  by  Tacitus,  and  only  twice.     12.  Transient,  came  over,  i.  e. 
to  the  Romans. 

13-25.  Sequens  biems,  A.  D.  79-80.  14.  Eoqne,  and  therefore; 
60  being  ablative  of  cause.  In  —  faciles,  ready  for  war,  prone  to 
war.  16.  Publioe,  in  At'»  public  capacity,  probably  "with  grants 
from  the  treasury."  TJt  —  exstruerent.  Julius's  hof,  or  house, 
the  home  of  Julius  Agricola,  and  Arthur's  Oven,  in  Stirling,  near 
the  mouth  of  the  Carron,  are  said  to  have  been  built  under  the 
direction  of  Agricola.  S.  17.  Castigando,  with  words  =  vitupe- 
rando.  D.  18.  Honoris  aemulatio,  a  rivalry  for  honor,  for  a 
higher  social  status.  Jam  vero  =  «o«>  at  length.  19.  Ingenia  — 
anteferre,  he  preferred  the  natural  talents  of  the  Britons  to  the  dili- 
gence of  the  Gauls,  implying  that  the  latter  had  little  or  no  talent, 
though  they  might  be  industrious.  20.  TJt  qni,  so  that  they  who. 
21.  Eloquentiam,  its  eloquence.  22.  Habitus,  dress,  style  of 
dress.  Honor,  because  it  was  the  dress  of  their  lordly  conquerors. 
23.  Disceasum  (est),  sc.  ab  iis,  they  turned  aside.  24.  Porticus, 
arcades  ;  covered  walks,  or  walks  covered  with  roofs  supported  by 
columns,  often  built  in  the  most  magnificent  style,  and  adorned 
with  pictures  and  statues  by  the  best  masters.  Balnea.  Public 
baths  were  regarded  as  necessities  by  the  Romans.  25.  Humani- 
tas,  refinement.  Cum,  although;  hence  esset  is  subjunctive  of 
concession.  Pars  servitutis.  Because  they  were  thereby  de- 
nationalized and  assimilated  to  their  conquerors. 

27-28.  Tertius  annus,  A.  D.  80.  28.  Tanaum,  the  Tanaus, 
whose  identity  is  uncertain.  Some  editors  read  Taum  (from  the 
margin  of  one  of  the  MSS.),  which  is  the  firth  of  Tay.  Aestuario 
—  est.  A.  &  S.  §  226,  Rem.  1;  H.  387,  1;  B.  632;  A.  51,  3,  b; 
G.  322. 

62  2-18.  Conflictatum  —  tempestatibus,  harassed  by  fierce  storms. 
3.  Ausi  (sunt).    Castellis,  dative.    The  remains  of  some  of  these 
are  still  to  be   seen  between  Ardoch  and  Innerpefferey.    S.     4. 
Annotabant.    Notice  the  force  of  the  imperfect :  used  to  remark. 
Opportunitates.    The  plural  implies    suitableness  in  various  re- 
spects.    7.  Pactione,  i.  e.  with  the  enemy,  capitulation.    Erup- 


AGEICOLA.  197 

Page 

tiones,  sallies  from  these  fortresses.  8.  Annuis  copiis,  with  sup-  (J2 
plies  for  a  year,  or,  perhaps,  for  the  year,  9.  Quisque,  each  com- 
mander of  a  fortress.  Irritis,  beiny  baffled.  12.  Pellebantur. 
The  imperfect  marks  the  continuance  of  the  enemy's  defeats.  13. 
Intercepit,  did  —  appropriate  to  himself.  14.  Facti,  of  his  action. 
15.  Apud  quosdam  indicates  those  who  related,  not  those  who  were 
reproached.  Conviciis,  his  reproaches,  reprimands.  16.  Adversus 
malos  is  much  stronger  than  the  simple  dative,  mails,  would  be. 
Besides,  Tacitus  is  fond  of  varying  his  constructions.  17.  Secre- 
tum,  his  reserve.  One  had  not  to  fear  it  because  he  did  not  cherish 
anger  or  ill-will.  18.  Honestius,  (it)  more  honorable.  Offendere, 
t.  e.  openly  and  once  for  all. 

20-28.  Quarta  aestas,  A.  D.  81.  Obtinendis  (securing),  sc.  iis 
locis.  21.  Si  —  pateretur.  The  inference  is  that  the  spirit  of  the 
Romans  could  acknowledge  no  limit  to  their  conquests,  while  there 
was  anything  to  conquer.  22.  Pateretur,  hud  allowed;  the 
imperfect  is  used,  because  the  glory  of  Rome  still  refused  to  allow. 
Inventus  (esset).  23.  Clota,  the  firth  of  Clyde;  Bodotria,  the 
firth  of  Forth.  Divers!  —  revectae,  carried  back  (  —  inland)  by 
the  tides  of  an  opposite  sea.  On  the  west,  the  "opposite  sea"  is 
the  Irish  sea ;  on  the  east,  the  North  sea.  26.  Propior  sinus,  t.  e. 
south  of  a  line  joining  the  firths  of  Clyde  and  Forth.  Sinus 
probably  means  indented  coast,  as  in  Germ.  1  and  37.  28.  Quinto 
anno,  A.  D.  82.  Nave  prima,  in  the  first  ship;  which  probably 
means  the  first  Roman  ship  that  crossed  the  Clota.  Transgressus, 
having  crossed  over  the  firth  of  Clyde. 

3-17.  In  spem,  f.  e.  with  a  view  to  the  conquest  of  Ireland.  g|J 
What  is  said  here  and  farther  on  is  an  illustration  of  the  far-reach- 
ing policy  of  Rome.  4.  Si  quidem,  if  indeed  =  since.  Hibernia 
miscuerit,  Ireland  might  -unite  ;  the  perfect  subjunctive  in  apodosis 
representing  the  attainment  of  the  result  as  possible.  Wex  says 
miscuerit  =iti$tisv  av,  sc.  si  expugnata  fuerit.  Medio,  sc.  in.  6. 
Opportuna,  convenient,  favorably  situated.  Tacitus  suggests  that 
Ireland  was  favorably  situated  for  uniting  in  commercial  inter- 
course Britain,  Gaul,  and  Spain.  Magnis  —  usibus,  by  great 
mntnnl  advantages.  TJsibus  is  the  instrumental  ablative.  8. 
Nostri  maris,  the  Mediterranean.  9.  Caelum,  climate.  Ingenia 
—  que,  the  natural  abilities,  and  the  mode  of  life  or  state  of  civil- 
ization. 10.  Aditus,  it*  approaches.  Melius  cogniti  (sunt),  i.  e. 
than  the  interior.  14.  Ex  CO.  It  is  highly  probable  that  Agricola 
is  meant,  though  some  editors  maintain  that  regulus  is  referred 

K2 


198  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

g3  to)  and  hence  draw  the  conclusion  that  Tacitus  was  at  this  time  in 
Britain.  15.  Idque,  and  that  that  force.  16.  Romana  arma,  «c. 
essent,  which  had  better  been  expressed.  17.  Ubique,  i.  e.  every- 
where in  the  neighborhood, 'Within  supporting  distance. 

18-28.  Sextum  annum,  A.  D.  83.  19.  Amplexus,  having  embraced 
in  his  plans.  20.  Motus,  a  movement.  Ultra,  beyond  the  firth  of 
Forth.  Infesta  itinera,  the  molested  marches;  i.  e.  rendered 
dangerous  by  the  sudden  attacks  of  an  enemy  who  were  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  country.  Hostilis  exorcitus,  i.  e.  of  the  Roman 
army.  22.  In  —  virium  =  as  a  part  of  his  forces.  23.  Egregia 
specie,  u:ith  imposing  display.  Cum  simul  —  simul,  since  at  the 
same  time  both  —  and.  The  fleet  and  the  army  kept  within  easy 
supporting  distance.  24.  Impelleretur,  was  being  urged  on. 
Isdem  =  iisdem.  25.  Mixti — laetitia,  mingled  together  with  their 
provisions  and  their  merriment.  The  soldiers  and  sailors  mingled 
in  merry  gatherings  over  their  meals.  27.  Profunda,  the  depths, 
i.  e.  the  great  extent.  28.  Adversa,  the  hardships.  Hinc — bine, 
on  this  side  —  on  that  side  ;  here  —  there. 

64  2-13.  Visa  classis,  the  fleet  seen  =  the  sight  of  the  fleet.  3. 
Secreto,  the  secret,  the  secret  existence.  4.  Clauderetur.  The 
subjunctive  reflects  the  thought  of  the  Britons :  oratio  obliqua. 
Ad  manus,  to  force,  to  action.  5.  Conversi,  turning  ;  in  a  deponent 
sense.  6.  Majore  fama,  i.  e.  rumor  represented  the  preparation  to 
be  greater  than  it  was.  Oppugnare  is  governed  by  adorti,  having 
attempted.  UltfO,  actually,  on  their  part ;  ut  ptOVOCantes,  as  the 
challengers.  9.  Pellerentur,  sc.  ut.  Specie  prudentium,  with  the 
air  of  prudent  men.  Pluribus,  t'n  several;  agminibus,  lines  or 
columns,  is  ablative  of  manner.  12.  Et  ipse,  he  himself  also. 
This  peculiar  position  of  the  subject,  in  the  midst  of  an  ablative 
absolute  clause,  seems  designed  to  draw  attention  to  the  fact  that 
the  agent  in  both  actions  (diviso  exercitu,  incessit)  is  the  same. 
18-28.  Iter,  governed  by  edootns.  A.  &  S.  g  231 ;  H.  374,  1 ;  B. 
734-5;  A.  52,  2,  c.  and  Rem. ;  G.  333,  Rem.  1.  19.  Vestigiis  in- 
secutus,  having  followed  in  their  tracks  ;  vestigiis  is  instrumental 
ablative.  20.  Assultare,  to  dash  upon.  Tergis,  the  rear  ;  dative. 
21.  Propinqua,  approaching:  appropinquante.  W.  22.  Ancipiti, 
by  a  double,  i.  e.  in  front  and  rear.  23.  Pro  Salute  =  the  more 
usual  de  salute.  Cf.  Hist.  IV.  58.  24.  TTltro,  on  their  part;  or 
better,  actually.  Quin  etiam  (  =  quinetiam),  nay  even,  besides, 
moreover.  Erupere,  they  sallied  forth,  i.  e.  the  soldiers  of  the 
ninth  legion.  25.  Pulsi  (sunt).  TJtroque  exercitu,  the  ninth 


AGRICOLA.  199 

Page 

legion  and  the  troops  that  Agricola  brought  to  their  aid.     27.  64 
Eguisse  auxilio."  A.  &  S.  §  250,  2,  (2) ;  H.  419,  III.;  B.  907;  A. 
54,  1 ;  G.  389.    Quod  nisi,  and  (had)  not.    28.  Debellatum  foret, 
impersonally  :  the  war  would  have  been  ended. 

1-12.  Conscientia  and  fama  are  ablatives  of  cause  after  ferox,  g5 
elated.  Nihil,  sc.  esse.  4.  Illi  —  sapientes  are  those  who  previ- 
ously, specie  prudentium,  advised  a  retreat.  Modo,  but  a  short  time 
before.  7.  Vindicant,  sc.  milites.  Uni,  i.  e.  duci.  8.  Occasions, 
by  a  fortunate  occurrence.  Yictos,  «c.  se  esse.  But  the  reading  of 
this  passage  is  uncertain,  and  the  MSS.  afford  no  means  of  correct- 
ing the  text.  VictOS  (instead  of  duds  in  the  MSS.)  is  the  con- 
jecture of  Lipsius.  9.  Quo  minus,  the  use  of  which  in  Tacitus  is 
somewhat  peculiar,  is  best  rendered  by  but.  11.  Coaspirationem, 
a  confederacy.  12.  DisceSSUm,  sc.  est  ab  iis,  they  (Romans  and 
Britons)  separated. 

13-28.  Germanias,  Upper  and  Lower,  or  Superior  and  Inferior. 
16.  Tradendam,  imparting,  teaching.  Manipulis,  dative.  17. 
Exemplum  —  habebantur,  were  kept  (in  the  camp)  as  a  pattern 
and  as  directors  of  their  military  training.  18.  The  ad  in  adactis 
=  to  them.  Uno  remigante.  This  is  the  reading  of  the  best  MSS., 
and  is  explained  as  meaning  one  directing  the  rowers.  Other  read- 
ings are  moriyerante,  remiyrante,  renaviganti.  20.  Humore,  of 
their  mutinous  conduct.  Tit  —  praevehebantur,  they  nailed  along 
as  something  wonderful;  as  a  marvellous  sight  to  the  inhabitants  of 
the  shores  of  Britain.  Mox  —  exeuntes.  This  is  the  conjectural 
reading  of  Halm  for  atqtie  ut  ilia  raptis  secum  plerisque  in  the  MSS., 
which  being  destitute  of  sense,  editors  have  variously  supplied  con- 
jectural readings.  The  passage  is  now  doubtless  incurable.  23. 
Ad  extremum,  at  last;  eo  inopiae,  to  that  degree  of  want.  A.  &  S. 
g  212,  Rem.  4,  Note  3;  H.  396,  III.  ;  B.  771 ;  A.  50,  2,  df  G.  371, 
Rem.  4.  25.  DuctOS,  those  drawn.  Tacitus  adopts  the  old  con- 
struction of  vescor  with  an  accusative,  on  account  of  sorte  being 
in  the  ablative,  and  the  next  word.  S.  28.  Fuere.  After  such 
indefinite  expressions  Tacitus  generally  has  the  subjunctive;  here 
he  has  the  indicative,  illustravit. 

1-2.  Venumdatos.    This  verb  is  mostly  used   of  the  sale  of   (jg 
captured   slaves.     Nostram    ripam    (Rheni),  the  left  or  western 
bank.     Mutatione    ementium,  by  a   change  of  buyers,  by  being 
sold  and  resold,  etc.     2.  Indicium,  the  disclosure,  the  narration  of 
it  by  themselves.     Casus,  adventure. 

3-20.  Aestatis,  A.  D.  84.    5.  Ambitiose,  ostentatiously  ;  but  the 


200  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

66  connection  shows  that  stoical  indifference  is  the  ostentation  meant. 
"  He  did  not  affect  a  stoical  indifference  in  order  to  excite  the 
admiration  of  others."   S.     6.  Rursus,  on  the  other  hand.     8.  Quae 
=  ut  ea,  that  it ;  hence  followed  by  subjunctive  of  purpose,  faceret. 
Incertum,  vague,  and  leaving  the  enemy  in  doubt  as  to  ultimate 
purpose.     9.    Expedite,    being  unencumbered  with    baggage.     10. 
Exploratos,  tried,  and  found  trustworthy.     11.  Graupium  is  the 
MSS.  form  of  the  name,  though  Grampium  is  the  more  common 
and  familiar:  now  the  Grampian  hills.     12.  Nihil,  accusative  of 
specification.    17.  Affluebat,  were  flocking.    18.  Et  quibus  (erat), 
and  those  who  had.     Cruda,  fresh.     Cf.   Virg.  Aen.   VI.  304.     19. 
Decora,  decorations,  honorary  distinctions,  trophies,  and  rewards 
of  valor.     20.  Praestans,  one  distinguished.     Calgacus.     So  the 
name  occurs  in  the  MSS.     The  more  familiar  form  is  Galgacus. 

23-28.  Necessitatem,  of  fighting  or  submitting.  24.  Animus, 
confidence.  Hodiernum  diem  =  that  this  day.  26.  Servitutis 
expertes  (suums),  A.  A  S.  §  213;  H.  399,  (3);  B.  777,  c;  A.  50, 

3,  b;  G.  373.    27.  Terrae,  «c.  sunt.    Ultra,  beyond  us,  to  which 
we  can  fly. 

67  1-10.  Honesta,  honorable.    Eadem  =  also.     A.  &  S.  g  207,  Rem. 
27;  H.  451,  3;   B.  1034.    Etiam,  even.    3.  Certatum  est  =  *A« 
contest  was  waged.    Subsidium,  a  reserve;  a  body  of  reserve,  like 
the  Roman  triarii,  of  whom  Tacitus  seems  to  have  been  thinking. 

4.  Eoque,  and  therefore.     5.  In  —  penetralibus,   in  it*  innermost 
parts,  as  it  were,   in  the   sanctuary  of   the  island.     "  Penetralia 
unit  penatium    deorum   sacraria."     Tacitus    seems    then  to  make 
Galgacus  say,  that  the  Caledonians  were  the  guardians  of  the  wel- 
fare of  Britain.     Servientium  litora,  the  shores  of  slaves  to  the 
Romans,  i.  e.  the  opposite  shores  of  Gaul.     7.  Nos  —  extremes, 
i.  e.  us,  who  are  the  ends  of  the  world,  and  the  last  people  to  main- 
tain their  liberty.    Extremes  forms  an  apposition  with  nos.     8. 
Sinus  famae.     These  words  are  difficult  to  interpret,  and  editors 
vary  in  their  explanation  of  them.     We  are  inclined  to  think  that 
their  true  meaning  is  the  concealment  of  our  fame,  i.  e.  our  hitherto 
unknown  name,  which  is  compared  to  something  concealed  in  the 
bosom,  in  the  folds  of  a  toga.     Then  recessus  ipse   (our  rery  re- 
moteness) is  answered  by  nunc  —  patet,  and  sinus  famae  byomne 
—  magnifico  est;  the  idea  in  the  latter  clause  is,  as  our  country 
is  unknown,  so  the  Romans  attach  great  importance  to  its  con- 
quest.   Some  editors  make   famae   a  dative  depending  on  de- 
fendit. 


AGRICOLA.  201 

Page 

11-19.  Infestiores,  i.  e.  than  the  waves  and  rocks.     15.  Avari,  67 
sc.  sunt.    Ambitiosi,  ambitious,  eager  for  power  and  the  fame  of 
conquest.     Quos  =  cum  eos,  since  —  them;  the  relative  clause  ex- 
pressing reason.    17.  Affectu,  fondness,  desire.     18.  Falsis  —  im- 
perium,  sc.  appellant. 

20-28.  Liberos  SUOS,  one's  children.  21.  Servituri,  doomed  to 
serve  ;  the  future  participle  denoting  purpose.  24.  In  trihutum, 
tn  tribute  or  taxes.  25.  Annus  —  the  produce  of  the  year.  In 
frumentum,  m  (contributions  of)  corn.  26.  Emunieudis,  in 
clearing,  in  making  passable  by  constructing  roads  and  causeways. 
28.  TJltro,  besides;  actually;  whereas  we  feed  our  masters. 

1-15.  Emit,  by  paying  tribute.  Pascit,  by  supplying  the  enemy  eg 
with  provisions.  3.  Conservis  ludibrio.  A.  &  S.  §  227 ;  H.  390  ; 
B.  848;  A.  51,  5;  G.  350.  Vetere  famulatu,  the  servitude  to 
which  the  Romans  have  for  a  long  time  reduced  the  world.  4. 
Nos  is  emphatic;  hence  its  use.  Viles,  worthless,  explains  in 
excidium  ;  we  are  only  fit  for  destruction.  5.  Neque  —  sunt ;  if 
we  had  mines,  etc.,  our  masters  would  make  us  work  them.  Gal- 
gacus  is  now  speaking  of  the  Caledonians  only.  6.  Quibus  =  ut 
iis,  hence  the  following  subjunctive,  reservemur.  Exercendis, 
for  working.  Ferocia,  the  high  spirit.  8.  Secretum,  seclusion, 
secluded  situation.  Quo  —  eo  =  the — the;  ablatives  of  degree  of 
difference.  9.  Tarn  —  quam,  as  well  (those  of  you)  —  or*  (those  of 
you).  11.  Femina  duce.  Tacitus  probably  refers  to  Boadicea, 
who  was  queen  of  the  Iceni,  and  in  her  revolt  was  aided  by  the 
Trinobantes.  Cf.  Annal.  XIV.  31.  12.  Felicitas,  their  good 
fortune.  13.  Potuere  governs  the  preceding  infinitives.  Integri, 
t.  e.  we  have  not  yet  met  the  enemy.  14.  In  poenitentiam,  like 
those  who  suffer  the  penalties  of  unsuccessful  rebellion.  Arma  is 
wanting  in  the  MSS.,  and  is  the  conjecture  of  Wex.  Without  it 
the  passage  can  scarcely  be  read.  Statim  —  very ;  at  once.  15. 
Quos  —  quales,  what  kind  of. 

16-28.  An  creditis,  do  you  suppose?  A.  &  S.  \  198,  II.,  Hem. 
(d),  and  g  265,  Rem.  2;  H.  346,  II.,  2;  B.  1107-8;  A.  71,  2,  Hem. 
b;  Or.  459.  18.  Vitia,  the  faults.  21.  Nisi  si  =  nisi,  except  that 
nisi  si  rarely  introduces  an  ironical  limitation.  Pudet,  sc.  me,  / 
am  ashamed.  22.  Licet,  although.  Alienae,  a  foreign,  of  foreign- 
ers. 23.  Hostes  and  servos  are  in  apposition  with  Gallos,  etc. 

1-16.  Aut  nulla  —  aut  alia.     In  the  first  ease  he  may  refer  to  gQ 
those  Britons  who  had  betrayed  their  country ;  in  the  second,  to 
such  allies  as  the  Gauls,  Batavians,  etc.     7-  Nostras  manus,  our 


202  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

69  own  forces,  such  of  the  allies  of  the  Romans  as  waited  only  for 
opportunity  to  join  the  Britons.     9.  Ceteri,  i.  e.  besides  the  Usipi. 
Tam  quam,  just  aa.     TJsipi,  namely,  those  already  mentioned  as 
having    circumnavigated    Britain.       11.     Senum  =  veteranorum, 
previously  mentioned.    Cf.  c.  5.    Inter  —  discordantia,  feeble  and 
discordant  free  towns  in  the  midst  of  citizens  yielding  an  unwilling 
obedience  and  those  that  govern  unjustly.       Parentes  are  British 
subjects,  and  imperantes  their  Roman  rulers.     12.  Hie,  here,  on 
our  side.     15.  Est,  it  remains. 

17-28.  Alacres  =  with  enthusiasm  or  lively  demonstrations.  Tit 
—  moris  =  a«  is  the  custom  with  barbarians.  Moris  is  predicate 
genitive.  A.  &  S.  g  211,  Rem.  8,  (3),  (a) ;  H.  403  ;  B.  780;  A.  50, 
1,  c;  G.  365.  19.  Agmina,  sc.  videbantur;  the  lines  were  seen 
moving.  20.  Procursu,  by  the  tallying  forward  to  the  front. 
Acies,  Britannorum.  21.  Coercitum,  restrained.  22.  Adhuc, 
besides.  Octavus  annus,  i.  e.  the  beginning  of  it.  23.  Auspiciis, 
under  the  auspices.  25.  Vicistis,  you  have  been  conquering.  Tot 
expeditionibus,  fn  so  viany  campaigns.  The  construction  may  be 
taken  as  a  concessive  ablative  absolute :  though  the  campaigns 
have  been  so  many.  Seu  —  sen,  whethei —  or.  27.  Adversus  — 
naturam,  i.  e.  beyond  the  limits  of  human  endurance  and  toil. 
Neque  me  poenituit,  neither  have  I  been  dissatisfied  with.  Me 
militum.  A.  A  S.  §  215  ;  H.  410  ;  B.  805 ;  A.  50,  4,  c,  2 ;  G.  376. 
28.  Egressi,  having  passed  beyond  ;  here  transitive  and  governing 
terminos. 

70  1-19.  Veterum,  i.  e.  priorum.     2.  Fama,  by  report.    Qui  fama 
aliquid  cognovit,  ipse  non  oculis  vidit;  qui  rumore,  non  comperta 
audivit.  W.    3.  Britannia,  »'.  e.  the  whole  of  it.    4.  In  agmine, 
on  the  march.     5.  Audiebam,  the  imperfect  denoting  repetition. 
7.  Vota  —  aperto,  lit.  your  wishes  and  your  valor  are  in  an  open 
field  =your  wishes   and  your   valor   have  free  scope.      8.    Prona, 
favorable.     10.  Pulchrum  (est).  it  glorious.     In  frontem  =  when 
advancing,  while  facing  the  enemy.     11.  Quae,  sc.  ea.     14.  Quod  = 
in  so  far  as.     Jam  pridem,  long  ago,  long  since.     16.   Terga,  that 
retreat.    18.  Naturae  fine.    Cf.  Germ.  45. 

20-28.  Constitisset,  had  taken  their  stand  against  you.  22. 
Decora,  glorious  deeds.  24.  Clamor  e,  with  a  (mere)  shout.  Cete- 
rorum  —  fugacissimi,  an  idiom  imitated  from  the  Greek,  and 
though  used  by  the  best  Greek  writers,  its  imitation  is  not  per- 
mitted in  English.  26.  Quo  modo  (in  what  manner)  =ju»t  as. 
Penetrantibus,  sc.  iis,  probably  dative  of  disadvantage,  though  it 


AGEICOLA.  203 

Page 

may  be  taken  »s_  ablative  absolute.     27.  Contra  mere,  rush  against,  70 
rush  on  to  meet.     Some  editors  make  mere  depend  on  solet  under- 
stood.    It  may,  however,  be  regarded  as  the  historical  infinitive. 
Pavida,  sc.  animalia.     28.  Agminis,  of  the  band  of  hunters,  etc. 

2-9.  Quos  —  restiterunt,  not  because  you  have  at  last  found  71 
them  have  they  come  to  a  halt,  have  they  stood  their  ground.  3. 
Novissimae  —  aciem.  These  are  the  words  of  the  best  MSS.,  but 
Tacitus  could  not  have  penned  so  harsh  and  crude  a  sentence. 
Editors  have  attempted  various  emendations.  As  the  passage 
stands,  it  is,  their  affairs  are  desperate,  and  their  bodies  from  ex- 
treme terror  have  rooted  their  battle  line  in  these  places.  Or  we  may 
omit  the  comma  after  res  and  translate,  their  desperate  circum- 
stances and  their  bodies,  etc.  Halm  calls  the  passage  a  locut  in- 
sanabilis.  5.  In  quibus  =  ut  in  iis,  that  in  them,  with  subjunctive 
of  purpose,  ederetis,  you  might  display.  6.  Transigite  cum,  put 
an  end  to.  Imponite  — diem,  lit.  put  a  great  day  to  fifty  years  = 
crown  fifty  years  with  a  great  day.  He  is  speaking  in  round  num- 
bers; from  the  expedition  of  A.  Plautius  it  was  only  forty-two 
years.  S.  8.  Imputari  potuisse,  could  have  been  imputed. 

11-17.  Eminebat,  broke  forth.  Alacritas,  enthusiasm.  14. 
Mediam  —  firmarent  =  formed  a  strong  centre.  Nicht  als  ob  sie 
andere,  die  dort  etanden,  verstarkten,  sondern  sie  selbst  bildeten 
ein  festes  Centrum.  D.  15.  Affunderentur,  were  dispatched  to. 
Tacitus  uses  the  word  as  a  poet  would :  were  poured  upon.  Pro 
vallo,  before  the  intrenchment  or  palisaded  rampart  of  their  camp ; 
behind  the  auxiliaries.  16.  Ingens  —  bellanti,  an  immense  (/lory 
to  the  victory  for  him  fighting  (  =  if  he  fought)  without  (shedding) 
Roman  blood  ;  i.  e.  the  victory  would  be  all  the  more  glorious  if  he 
could  win  it  without  the  aid  of  the  legions.  Victoriae  is  genitive. 
Citra  —  without ;  in  this  sense  only  in  later  Latin.  17.  Bellanti, 
sc.  ei  =  Agricolae ;  dative  of  advantage.  Pellerentur,  sc.  auxilia, 
which  should  have  been  expressed,  and  probably  would  have  been 
but  for  the  preceding  auxilium. 

18-28.  In  speciem,  for  display,  for  effect.  19.  Constiterat,  had 
taken  its  position.  Primum  agmen,  «c.  consisteret,  implied  in 
constiterat.  The  use  of  agmen  for  acies  is  noticeable.  20.  Per 
— jugum,  along  the  ascending  ridge.  Connexi  velut,  as  if  linked 
together,  without  any  break  in  the  line.  Media  campi,  the  middle 
of  the  field  or  the  space  between  the  two  armies.  21.  Covinnarius 
eques,  the  chariot  warrior;  singular  for  plural.  Covinnus  is  a 
Celtic  word  with  a  Latin  ending.  23.  Simul  —  simul  et  =  a«  tho 


204  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

71  tame  time  both  —  and.     24.   Diductis  ordinibus,   the  ranks  bring 
widened  by  being  extended  at  the  wings.     Porrectior,  too  extended, 
and  therefore  more  easily  broken.     25.  Futura  erat  =  tens  likely 
to  be;  neither  erat,  was,  nor  esset,  would  be;  but  a  mean  between 
the  two.     26.  Ptomptior  —  adversis,  more  open  to  hope  and  strong 
against  reverses  (with   at  least  an  assumed  confidence  that  they 
would  not  occur).     Agricola,  on  this  decisive  field,  wished  to  ap- 
pear more  hopeful  than  usual,  and  more  confident  of  success,  and 
to  inspire  his  soldiers  with  the  same  feelings.     To  this  end  he  dis- 
mounted and  took  his  stand  on  foot.     Adversis,  which  some  editors 
consider  in  the  dative,  seems  rather  to  be  an  ablative  of  specifi- 
cation, firm  in  respect  to  reverses.      28.  Vexilla,  the  ensigns  of  the 
auxiliaries;  and  therefore  in  the  front.     It  cannot  refer  to  the 
legions,  because   in   taking  such   a  position,   Agricola  would  be 
acting  inconsistently  with  what  he  had  already  done. 

72  1-15.   Constantia,  with  steady  courage.    2.   Brevibus  =  »mall. 
The  cetra  was   a   small   round  shield  covered  with  hide.    Diet. 
Antiqq.    Excutere,  from  their  shields.    5.  Mucrones  ac  manus, 
to  sword-points  and  hand  to  hand  fight.     6.   Quod,  which  mode  of 
fighting;   sc.  erat.    7.  Inhabile,  impracticable.    9.  Complexum 
ar morum,  lit.  the  embrace  of  arms  =  the  cros/iing  of  swords.     In 
arto  pugnam  —fighting  at  close  quarters.    10.  Miscere  ictus, 

dealt  out  their  blows.  Ferire  =  parried.  12.  Erigere,  to  lead  up. 
15.  Festinatione  victoriae,  f»  the  haste  for  victory.  Equitum,  sc. 
Romanorum. 

16-23.  Ut  —  haerebant.  The  reading,  punctuation,  and  inter- 
pretation of  this  passage  vary  in  different  editions.  Halm,  Wex, 
Draeger,  and  Kritz  supply  ut,  which  is  not  found  in  the  MSS. 
17.  Recentem,  afresh  terror,  besides  that  caused  by  the  charge  of 
the  infantry.  Intolerant,  sc.  equites  Romani.  18.  Inaequalibus, 
uneven.  The  rapid  advance  of  the  Roman  cavalry  was  checked  by 
the  dense  lines  of  the  enemy  and  the  rough  ground.  19.  Haere- 
bant =  were  embarrassed,  retarded.  Minime,  by  no  means.  The 
passage  minime — impellerentur  is  one  of  the  most  corrupt  in 
Tacitus,  and  has  been  made  simply  readable  by  different  editors. 
"We  follow  the  text  of  Wex.  20.  Cum,  since.  Aegre  stantes 
(Romani),  because  their  position  was  now  on  the  slopes  of  the 
hills.  Equorum  (sc.  Romanorum),  of  their  horses.  21.  Impelle- 
rentur, they  were  impelled,  i.  e.  by  the  slipping  and  generally  un- 
steady footing  of  the  horses.  23.  Transversos  aut  obvios  (Ro- 
manes), across  or  full  against  them. 


AGRICOLA.  205 

Page 

24-28.  ExpertCS,  without  a  share  in.     25.  Vacui,  unconcerned,   72 
without  apprehensioa.     27.  Ni.    Before  this  word  we  must  mentally 
supply    et   circumissent.     Id   ipsum,    that   very   thing.     28.   Alas, 
squadrons.     Subita,  the  sudden  emergencies. 

1-17.  QuantO  —  tantO  =  f/te — the.  2.  Consilium,  the  design  of  73 
attacking  the  Romans  in  the  rear.  3.  Transvectae  alae,  the 
squadrons  riding  across  the  field.  4.  Pugnantium,  of  the  com- 
l(i touts.  Aversam,  lit.  turned  about,  hence  —the  rear  of,  the 
routed.  6.  Grande  —  trucidare.  Compare  with  this  Sail.  Jug. 
101.  Sequi  —  trucidare,  historical  infinitives.  The  description 
of  the  rapid  movements  is  rendered  more  graphic  by  the  asyndeton. 
7.  Eosdem,  the  same,  i.  e.  those  who  had  just  been  made  prisoners. 
They  were  slaughtered  on  account  of  oblatis  aliis.  8.  Armato- 
rum,  though  armed,  agrees  with  hostium.  9.  TJltro,  actually. 
12.  Victis  —  virtusque.  Compare  Virg.  Aen.  II.  367.  13.  Pri- 
mes, the  foremost.  14.  Quod  ni,  und  (hail)  not.  Frequens 
ubique  =  everywhere  present.  15.  Cohortes,  sc.  progredi,  or 
something  equivalent,  on  account  of  the  zeugma  in  persultare ; 
so  also  with  partem  equitum.  Indaginis  modo,  after  the  manner 
of  a  hunting -circle,  i.  e.  as  hunters  surround  a  space  of  ground, 
and  by  gradually  contracting  the  circle  drive  the  game  towards 
the  centre.  See  Lex.  16.  Artiora,  so.  loca ;  i.  e.  thickets.  17. 
Rariores,  the  more  open.  Persultare  =  to  scour. 

19-28.  Composites  —  ordinibus,  them  arranged  in  compact  order, 
in  close  ranks.  20.  Versi  (sunt).  21.  Rari,  in  order  to  escape 
the  more  easily.  Vitabundi  in  vicem,  avoiding  one  another.  22. 
Avia,  unfrequented  parts.  23.  Ad,  about;  in  this  sense  with 
numerals.  24.  Quis  =  quibus.  27.  Laeta,  gladsome,  agrees  with 
noz. 

1-13.  Trahere,  carried  away.  Nine  historical  infinitives  follow.  74 
2.  TJltro,  actually.  3.  Miscere  in  vicem,  concerted  together  ;  mis- 
oere,  from  the  notion  of  mingling  together,  implying  an  inter- 
change of  views.  4.  Deinde  separare  («c.  consilia),  and  then 
acted  separately.  5.  Pignorum,  i.  e.  their  wives  and  children. 
Concitari,  they  were  violently  moved.  8.  Vastum,  a  desolate, 
gloomy.  10.  Incerta  (esse),  were  tfncerttn'n,  is  the  predicate.  12. 
Spargi,  be  distributed,  carried  on  in  different  parts  at  the  same 
time.  Cf.  Ann.  III.  21.  13.  Borestorum,  of  whom  nothing  else 
is  known. 

14-28.  Circumvehi,  to  sail  around,  to  circumnavigate.  The 
infinitive  after  praecipere  (instead 'of  ut  circumvehatur)  is  an 

s 


206  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

74  unusual  construction,  occurring  only  in  some  of  the  later  writers. 
15.  Vires  =  «  force.     18.  Secunda — fama,  with  favorable  weather 
and  our  renown.     19.  Trutulensem  portum,  of  which  nothing  is 
known.     Undo  is  to  be  taken  with  lecto,   having  been  coasted.     It 
seems  clear  from  what  Tacitus  says,  that  the  fleet  started  from  a 
harbor  on  the  east  coast  of  Scotland,  not  far  from  the  firth  of 
Forth,  and,  without   actually  circumnavigating  Britain,  pursued 
the  coast  far  enough  to  prove  that  it  was  an  island ;  and  then  re- 
turned to  the  same  harbor.     22.  Epistolis,  i.  e.  in  his  reports  and 
dispatches.     Auctum,  amplified,  embellished.    Domitiano  —  erat. 
See  chap.  33,  and  Germ.  13,  and  21.     23.  Fronte,  t»  hit  counte- 
nance.   24.  Inerat,  there  was  in  him.    Falsum  triumphum,  over 
the  Chatti,  whom  he  had  not  even  seen.    Cf.  Dio  Cass.  LXVII.  4. 
25.   Emptis,  «c.    iis  =  servis.     Quorum  =ut   eorum;   hence   the 
following  subjunctive.     28.   Id  sibi,  etc.,  that  it  was,  etc.;  the 
construction  may  depend  on  in.er.at  conscientia,  or  we  may  supply 
putabat,  or  something  equivalent. 

75  2-9.  Stadia  fori,  the  pursuits  of  the  forum  :  especially  eloquence. 
Civilian!  artium,  referring  especially  to  politics,  law,  and  govern- 
ment.    3.   Acta   (esse),    hail  been   driven.     4.    Cetera,   than   great 
military    renown.     Utcumque  =  in   some   manner.     Some   editors 
join   it  with    facilius.      Imperatoriam,   imperial,   befitting  an 
emperor.     5.  Quodque  =  et  quod.     6.  Secreto  suo,  with  his  secret, 
his  dark  and  secret  intentions.     This  seems  to  accord  better  with 
the  context  than  with  his  seclusion,  us  the  words  are  rendered  by 
some.    8.  Impetus,  the  outburst. 

10-28.  Triumphalia  ornamenta.  After  the  year  14  B.  c.  the 
honor  of  a  triumphal  entry  was  rarely  granted;  instead  of  it 
triumphal  decorations  were  decreed.  These  were  the  corona  laurea, 
toga  praetexta,  tunica  palmata,  and  sella  curulis.  12.  Honors, 
compliment.  13.  Opinionem,  an  impression ;  probably  in  the 
decree  itself;  perhaps  otherwise.  15.  Majoribus=/or  men  of 
more  than  ordinary  distinction ;  i.  e.  this  rich  province  was,  as  a 
rule,  given  to  men  of  peculiar  distinction.  16.  Ex  implies  of  the 
number  of  those  employed  in.  Codicillos,  dispatches,  orders.  19. 
Freto,  of  Dover.  22.  Tradtderat  —  provinciam.  In  A.  D.  85. 
23.  Celebritate;  a  complimentary  reception  by  friends,  seems  to 
be  the  meaning,  though  Ruperti  makes  the  word  synonymous  with 
frequentia.  25.  Officio,  the  kind!;/  attentions.  26.  Brevi,  with  a 
sli;/ht;  cold  and  ceremonious.  Turbae  servientium,  tciVA  the 
crowd  of  servile  courtiers.  28.  Grave,  odious.  OtioSOS,  men  of 
leisure,  not  engaged  in  war. 


AGRICOLA.  207 

Page 

1-15.  Hausit  is  the  conjecture  of  Wex,  for  auxit  in  the  MSS. ;  in  76 
which  he  is  followed  by  Halm  and  Draeger.  Cultu,  in  his  style  of 
living.  2.  Altero,  i.  e.  (too.  3.  Adeo,  so,  to  such  a  degree.  Am- 
bitionem,  their  display.  4.  Aspecto  implies  a  more  attentive 
observation  than  vise.  Quaererent,  sought  for,  i.  e.  inquired  for 
the  reason  of  his  fame,  and  were  unable  to  satisfy  themselves  in 
regard  to  it.  5.  Interpretarentur,  explained  it,  i.  e.  understood 
his  motives.  8.  Laesi,  injured.  10.  Laudantes,  his  praisers, 
eulogizers.  Ea  =  talia;  hence  quae  =  ut  ea,  with  the  subjunctive. 
11.  Sileri,  to  be  passed  over  in  silence.  15.  Limits  here  denotes 
the  actual  fortified  boundary  line  which  had  been  drawn  for  the 
defence  of  the  empire  against  the  German  and  Sarmatian  tribes 
on  the  side  of  Pannonia  and  Dacia.  C.  Eipa,  the  right  bank  of 
the  Danube,  as  far  as  the  Quadi  and  Marcomanni.  S. 

17-28.  Omnis,  the  whole.  21.  Ceterorum.  The  MSS.  have 
eorum.  The  emendation  is  that  of  Grotius,  and  is  adopted  by 
most  recent  editors.  22.  Verberatas  (esse).  A  strong  expression, 
and  suggestive  of  the  painful  impression  produced  on  the  tyrant. 
Optimus  —  libertorum,  all  the  best  of  his  freedmen.  That  freed- 
men  in  those  times  frequently  possessed  great  power,  and  held 
influential  positions,  is  well  known  from  various  passages  in  Taci- 
tus, Pliny,  and  Seneca.  23.  Amore  et  fide,  from  affection  and 
fidelity  towards  Domitian.  Pessimi,  sc.  liberti.  24.  Deterioribus 
=  to  the  baser  sort  of  men.  26.  Ipsam  —  praeceps.  His  very 
glory  was  hurrying  him  on  to  ruin.  27.  Annas,  generally  sup- 
posed to  be  A.  D.  89  or  90.  Asiae  —  Africae.  Each  of  these  prov- 
inces formed  a  proconsulate.  28.  Sortiretur,  he  teas  to  draw  lots 
for.  The  senior  consulars  drew  lots  for  these  provinces.  W. 
Civica  Cerialis,  proconsul  of  Asia,  put  to  death  by  Domitian. 

1-12.  Consilium,  a  purpose;  not  to  accept  the  appointment.  "Jfjp 
Exemplum,  a  precedent.  2.  Cogitationum,  teith  the  intentions; 
limiting  periti.  3.  Ultro,  actually.  4.  Occultius,  somewhat 
obscurely.  Laudare,  sc.  ii,  i.  e.  periti.  5.  Approbanda,  making 
good.  6.  Non  jam,  no  longer.  7.  Pertraiere,  they  dragged  him, 
i.  e.  caused  him  to  go  unwillingly.  8.  In  —  compositus,  equipped 
with  a  lordly  bearing ;  assuming  a  haughty  demeanor.  Excu- 
santis,  sc.  ejus=  Agricolae.  10.  Benencii  invidia,  at  the  hate- 
fulness  of  the  favor.  Salarium.  It  is  not  known  what  this  u»ual 
salary  was,  but  it  seems  probable  that  in  later  times  it  amounted 
to  as  much  as  $40,000.  12.  (Id)  mm  petitum  (essel.  Conscientia, 
a  contciourness  j  implying  fear  and  hence  ue  =  lest . 


208  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

77  15-28.  QUO  —  irreVOCabilior,  the  darker,  the  more  implacable; 
the  more  that  of  a  fiend,  the  less  that  of  a  man.     18.  Libertatis, 
of  freedom  in  his  conduct,  such  as  would  show  a  disregard  for  the 
views  and  authority  of  the  tyrant.     Provocabat,  did  he  stimulate; 
i.  e.  did  he  seek  to  augment  his  fame  or  accelerate  the  approach  of 
his  fate.     19.  Sciant  —  mirari,  let  those  know  whose  custom  it  is  to 
admire  unlawful  things  ;  Tacitus  is  alluding  to  those  who,  in  de- 
fiance or  disregard  of  tyranny,  dare  to  do  what  is  forbidden  by  its 
authority ;  "  as,  for  example,  when  Helvidius  Priscus  openly  cele- 
brated the  birthday  of  Erutua  and  Cassius."   8.     21.  Eo  —  exci- 
dere,  rise  to  that  degree  of  distinction.    '22.  Per  abrupta,  by  pre- 
cipitous paths  ;  by  an  uneven  course  of  conduct ;  by  opposition  to 
theemperor.    25.  Vulgus,  the  general  public.    26.  Hie  —  populus, 
the  people  in  this  ease  acting  differently,  i.  e.  from  what  they  were 
accustomed  to  do.     The  words  are  differently  explained  by  different 
editors.     We  give  what  seems  to  be  the  natural  meaning  of  the 
words,  lit.  here  doing  another  thing.     27.  Per  —  circulos,  in  public 
places  and  in  knots. 

78  2-16.  Nobis  —  ausim,  /  cannot  venture  to  affirm  that  we  have  any- 
thing well  ascertained ;  with  nihil  supply  esse ;  comperti  is  the 
participle  used  as  a  noun  in  the  partitive  genitive.     4.  Visentis, 
visiting,  agrees  with  principatus.     5.  Intimi,  the  most  confidential 
of  the  prince's  physicians.     7.  Momenta  —  deficientis  (ejus),  that 
the  successive  moments  of  his  sinking.     Dispositos,  stationed  at  in- 
tervals.   8.  Credente,  supposing.     Accelerari,  «c.  ea  =  <Aaf  those 
tidings.    10.  Prae  se  tulit=fte  showed,  let  be  seen.    Et  qui  =  et 
cum  is,  and  because  lie ;  with  causal  subjunctive.     12.  Coheredem. 
Domitianum.    This  was  done  simply  to  secure  some  of  his  property 
to  his  family.     14.  Velut  —  que,  as  if  (Agricola  had  made  him  an 
heir)  in  compliment  and  from  choice.     16.  Nisi — principeni,  that 
a  prince,  unless  bad, 

17-28.  Caio  — Juniis,  Juno  13th,  A.  D.  40.  18.  Sexto.  As 
Collega  and  Priscus  were  consuls  A.  D.  93,  quarto  should  have  been 
written  instead  of  sexto.  19.  Decimo,  sc.  die  ante.  20.  Habitum 
CJTIS,  hie  personal  appearance.  21.  Decentior  —  sublimior,  rather 
well  made  than  tall.  22.  Gratia — supererat,  grace  of  expression 
(a  gracious  expression)  predominated.  24.  Medio  —  aetatis,  i/» 
the  mid  career  of  unimpaired  age  = "  in  the  prime  of  life."  C. 
25.  Quantum  ad  gloriam  =  a»  regards  glory.  27.  Impleverat  = 

he  had  attained. 
'"       1-28.  Speciosae,  handsome  ;  "  sufficient  wealth  to  make  a  hand- 


AGRICOLA.  209 

Page 

some  appearance."  C.  4.  Cujusdam,  a  certain;  felicitatis  being  79 
a  predicate  genitive.  6.  Trajanum  may  possibly  be  a  Trajan. 
8.  Solatium  tulit,  that  negative  consolation  (or  compensation) 
which  consisted  in  not  having  lived  to  suffer.  10.  Spir amenta, 
breathing  spells,  i.  e.  pauses.  14.  Una  victoria  censebatur,  was 
rated  at  but  one  victory.  Carus  Metius  was  one  of  the  most 
notorious  informers  under  Domitian.  He  had  as  yet  caused  the 
death  of  but  one  victim.  15.  Albanam  arcem,  the  Alban  strong- 
hold, was  one  of  Domitian's  villas,  at  the  foot  of  the  Alban  mount. 
16.  Sententia,  the  counsel.  Messalinus  wag  another  notorious 
informer.  17.  Baebius  reus.  After  he  had  been  procurator  of 
Africa.  Nostrae  mauus,  the  hands  of  senators,  of  whom  Tacitus 
was  one.  18.  Nos  —  visas  («c.  perculit),  the  sight  of  Afauricus,  etc. 
The  bold  zeugma  in  perfudit  makes  it  necessary  to  supply  some 
such  verb  as  perculit.  Mauricus  and  Rusticus  were  brothers;  the 
former  was  executed,  the  latter  banished.  19.  Senecio.  See  chap. 
2.  22.  Videre  et  aspici,  to  see  him  and  to  be  observed  by  him. 
Subscriberentur,  were  accused,  i.  e.  were  made  matter  of  accusation. 
23.  Sufficeret,  was  enough,  sumced.  24.  Fudorem,  shame.  28. 

Constans  —  libens  =  with  courage  and  cheerfulness. 

1-28.  Pro  —  portione  =  to  the  best  of  thy  ability.  In  the  Au-  gQ 
gustan  age  the  phrase  was  pro  virili  parte.  2.  Filiae  ejus,  who 
was  the  wife  of  Tacitus.  7.  Dolor,  «c.  fuit.  8.  Condicione,  by 
the  circumstance.  12.  Desideravere  aliquid,  missed  something, 
felt  that  something  was  wanting.  13.  Sapientibus,  i.  e.  the  phil- 
osophers. 15.  Infirmo  desiderio,  weak  regret.  18.  Admiratione 
—  colamus.  The  text  of  this  passage  is  uncertain.  We  follow 
that  of  Halm.  19.  Si  —  suppeditat,  if  nature  suffice*,  i.  e.  if  our 
natural  powers  are  equal  to  the  task.  20.  Id  praeceperim,  /  would 
give  this  precept.  24.  Non  —  imaginibuS,  not  because  I  think  a 
veto  should  be  put  on  images  (of  ancestors).  28.  Tenere  et  expri- 
mere,  to  retain  and  to  represent,  or,  to  possess  and  to  express. 
Alienam,  of  others,  i.  e.  of  artists,  of  sculptors. 

1-7.    Sed  —  moribus,    but  yourself  in  your  own  character.     3.    gj 
Mansurum  est,   i*  destined  to  remain.     4.  Fama  rerum,  i.  e.  in 
the  record  of  achievements,  in  history.    Fama  rerum  scheint  ein 
neuer  Ansdruck  fur  "  Geschichte."    Dr. 
14  —  Agr.  S  2 


NOTES 


DIALOGUE   ON   ORATORS. 


ARGUMENT. 

1.  REASONS  for  writing  the  dialogue.  2.  The  persons  engaged  in  it; 
at  first  Curiatius  Maternus,  Marcus  Aper,  and  Julius  Secundus.  3. 
Secundus  endeavors  to  dissuade  Maternus  from  thinking  any  more  of 
dramatic  composition.  4.  Maternus  gives  his  reasons  for  persisting. 
5-7.  Aper  condemns  his  resolution ;  and  in  point  of  utility,  real  happi- 
ness, fame,  and  dignity,  contends  that  the  oratorical  profession  is 
preferable  to  the  poetical.  8.  He  cites  the  example  of  Eprius  Marcel- 
lus  and  Crispus  Vibius,  who  raised  themselves  by  their  eloquence  to 
the  highest  honors.  9.  Poetical  fame  brings  with  it  no  advantage. 
10.  He  exhorts  Maternus  to  relinquish  the  Muses,  and  devote  his  whole 
time  to  eloquence  and  the  business  of  the  bar.  11-13.  Maternus  de- 
fends his  favorite  studies;  the  pleasures  arising  from  poetry  are  in 
their  nature  innocent  and  sublime  ;  the  fame  is  extensive  and  immortal  ; 
the  poet  enjoys  the  most  delightful  intercourse  with  his  friends,  whereas 
the  life  of  the  public  orator  is  a  state  of  warfare  and  anxiety.  14. 
Vipstanus  Messala  enters  the  room  ;  he  finds  his  friends  engaged  in  a 
controversy,  and  being  an  admirer  of  ancient  eloquence,  he  advises 
Aper  to  adopt  the  model  of  the  ancients  in  preference  to  the  plan  of 
the  modern  rhetoricians.  15-17.  Hence  a  difference  of  opinion  con- 
cerning the  merits  of  the  ancients  and  moderns;  he  desires  to  know 
who  are  to  be  accounted  ancients.  18-19.  Eloquence  has  various 
modes,  all  changing  with  the  conjuncture  of  the  times;  but  it  is  the 
nature  of  men  to  praise  the  past  and  to  censure  the  present.  The 
period  when  Cassius  Severus  flourished  is  stated  to  be  the  point  of 
time  at  which  men  ceased  to  be  ancients.  Cassius  with  good  reason 
deviated  from  the  ancient  manner.  20.  Defects  of  ancient  eloquence ; 

210 


NOTES    TO    THE    DIALOGUE.  211 

the  modern  style  more  refined  and  elegant.  21.  The  character  of 
Calvus,  Caelius,  Caesar,  and  Brutus ;  and  also  of  Asinius  Pollio  and 
Messala  Corvinus.  22.  The  praise  and  censure  of  Cicero.  23.  The 
true  rhetorical  art  consists  in  blending  the  virtues  of  ancient  oratory 
with  the  heauties  of  the  modern  style.  24.  Maternus  observes  that 
there  can  bo  no  dispute  about  the  superior  reputation  of  the  ancient 
orators ;  he  therefore  calls  on  Messala  to  take  that  point  for  granted, 
and  proceed  to  an  inquiry  into  the  causes  that  produced  so  great  an 
alteration.  25-26.  After  some  observations  on  the  eloquence  of  Calvus, 
Asinius  Pollio,  Caesar,  Cicero,  and  others,  Messala  praises  Gracchus 
and  Lucius  Crassus,  but  censures  Mecaenas,  Gallio,  and  Cassius  Se- 
verus.  27-33.  Maternus  reminds  Messala  of  the  true  point  in  ques- 
tion ;  Messala  proceeds  to  assign  the  causes  which  occasioned  the  decay 
of  eloquence,  such  as  the  dissipation  of  the  young  men,  the  inatten- 
tion of  their  parents,  the  ignorance  of  the  rhetorical  professors,  and 
the  total  neglect  of  discipline.  34.  He  proceeds  to  explain  the  plan  of 
study,  and  the  institutions,  customs,  and  various  arts,  by  which  orators 
were  formed  in  the  time  of  the  republic.  35.  The  defects  and  vices  in 
the  new  system  of  education.  In  this  part  of  the  dialogue  the  sequel 
of  Messala's  discourse  is  lost,  with  the  whole  of  what  was  said  by  Se- 
cundus,  and  the  beginning  of  the  remarks  of  Maternus.  36.  Eloquence 
flourishes  most  in  times  of  public  tumult;  the  crimes  of  turbulent  citi- 
zens supply  the  orator  with  his  best  materials.  37.  In  the  time  of  the 
republic,  oratorical  talents  were  necessary  qualifications,  and  without 
them  no  man  was  deemed  worthy  of  being  advanced  to  the  magistracy. 
38.  The  Roman  orators  were  not  confined  in  point  of  time;  they  might 
extend  their  speeches  to  what  length  they  thought  proper,  and  could 
even  adjourn  ;  Pompey  abridged  the  liberty  of  speech,  and  limited  the 
time.  39.  The  very  dress  of  the  advocates  under  the  emperors  was 
prejudicial  to  eloquence.  40.  True  eloquence  springs  from  the  vices  of 
men,  and  never  was  known  to  exist  under  a  calm  and  settled  govern- 
ment. 41.  Eloquence  changes  with  the  times ;  every  age  has  its  own 
peculiar  advantages,  and  invidious  comparisons  are  unnecessary.  42. 
Conclusion  of  the  dialogue.  V. 

Page 

1.  Juste  Falri.    L.  Fabius  Justus,  consul  A.  D.  111.     In  the  im-  g6 
perial  times  the  women  (Fabius)  is  often  either  omitted  or  follows 
as  something  subordinate. 

6.  Causidici,  pleaders;  from  causa  and  dieo ;  often  used  in  a 
contemptuous  sense.     Diserti  (the  eloquent)  is  subject. 

9.  Ut  —  sit  is  added  to  show  one  of  the  alternatives  of  pondus 


212  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

36  ezoipere:  ut  ant  male  existimandum  Bit  =  since  ice  must  either 

think  meanly. 

10.  Sit.  Words  in  italics  are  the  additions  of  various  editors, 
and  are  intended  to  supply  defects  in  the  MSS.     Sit  is  added  by 
Lipsius.     Idem  adsequi,  «c.  quod  antiqtti  adsecuti  stint. 

11.  Judiciis,  »e.  nostris.    12.  Proferenda,  <••••.  esset. 

13.  Ut  nostris  temporibus  =  at  our  times  go,  or  as  our  times 
consider  them.     The  expression  i«  elliptical :  ut  disertissimi  eristi- 
mantur  nostris  temporibus.     The  words  are  intended  to  be  dis- 
paraging. 
87       2.  Ut  persequar,  that  F  may  pursue  or  follow  closely. 

3.  Subtiliter,  finely,  exquisitely.     Graviter,  forcibly. 

5.  Dam  —  redderent,  while  each  expressed  the  mould  (or  natural 
bent)  both  of  his  mind  and  of  hit  character. 

6.  Isdem  numeris,  with  the  tame  elegance  and  melody  of  style  ; 
or  with  the  same  rhythmical  flow  of  the  sentences.     Ernest!  thinks 
the  words  mean,  in  the  same  order ;  but  Tacitus  adds,  servato  ordine 
disputationis.    Isdem  =  iisdem. 

7.  Rationibus,  arguments. 

10.  Ingeniis,  the  genius  ;  the  oratorical  talents.     The  word  is 
used  five  times  in  this  chapter  in  various  senses. 

11.  Postero  die  quam,  on  the.  day  after.    Quam,  a  conjunction 
(=  than),  follows  postero,  because  the  latter  word  has  the  force  of 
a  comparative.     Curiatius  Maternus.     Nothing  certain  is  known 
of  him  except  what  we  learn  from  the  dialogue.      Some  believe 
him  to  be  the  Maternus  who,  we  are  informed  by  Dion  Cassius 
(Ixvii.  12),  was  put  to  death  by  Domitian,  on  account  of  his  too 
great  freedom  of  speech.     Catonem,    f.    e.   his   tragedy   entitled 
"Cato." 

16.  Marcus  Aper,  a  native  of  Gaul,  who  rose  by  his  eloquence 
to  the  rank  of  quaestor,  tribune,  and  praetor,  successively.     Julius 
Secundus,  a  friend  of  Quintilian,  who  mentions  the  elegance  of 
his  oratory. 

17.  Ingenia,  men  of  genius,  men  of  talent.    Fori  nostri,  nearly 
equivalent  to  of  our  bar.     Quos  utrosque,  both  of  whom. 

19.  Studiorum,  for  their  pursuits,  for  their  studies. 

20.  Fabulas,  conversations,  with  other  learned  men. 

21.  Arcana  semotae  dictionis,  the  privacy  of  their  familiar  dis- 
course.    Semotae  means  here  withdrawn  from  public  view,  beyond 
the  reach  of  others'  ears.     Penitus  exciperem,  /  might  thoroughly 
learn,  lit.  catch  up.     Promptum,  an  easy,  ready. 


DIALOGUE.  213 

Page 

24.  Institutione,  ly  education.  §7 

25.  Purus,  pure,  without  admixture  of  foreign  or  provincial 
words  or   style.     Pressus,  terse.    In —  erat  =  a«/ar  as   sufficed, 
i.  e.  for  any  given  occasion. 

2.  Alienarum  artium  may  be  rendered  of  other  accomplishments  ;  88 
but  alienarum  refers  to  accomplishments  not  directly  concerned 
with  oratory,  e.  g.  geometry,  music,  etc. 

7.  Quo  minus  ames  =from  loving. 

9.  He trac tares,  you  might  retouch  or  revise  it.    Sublatis,  «c.  iis. 

11.  Securiorem,  more  secure  against  the  attacks  of  malignant 
critics  and  the  common  talk  of  the  envious. 

12.  Leges,  you  shall  read.    Sibi,  to  himself,  and  not  to  his  fears 
of  the  powerful. 

14.  Thyestes.    An  oft  recurring  subject  of  tragedy. 

15.  Formavi,  have  mapped  out. 

19.  Adeo,  to  such  a  degree. 

20.  Quo  minus  consumas  =  that  you  spend. 

23.  Clientelae.  Distinguished  Romans  were  sometimes  the 
patroni  of  states  and  cities,  which  were  in  a  certain  relation  of 
subjection  or  friendship  to  Rome.  Municipiorum,  free  towns, 
generally  in  Italy,  governed  by  their  own  laws,  and  enjoying  the 
rights  of  Roman  citizens,  including  (except  in  a  few  cases)  the 
right  of  voting. 

25.  Domitium,  the  title  of  another  of  his  tragedies.     Id  eat 
(si). 

26.  Ifostras  and  Bomana  are  equivalent  here.    Notice  that  his- 
torias  (histories  or  narratives  of  facts)  is  opposed  to  fabulis,  which 
refers  especially  to  fictitious  narratives. 

3.  Desidiam  advocationum,  ray  discontinuance  of  the  duties  of   89 
the  advocate. 

7.  Quod  —  optO  =  «^n<  I  have  long  wished  for.  "The  present 
tense  i?  often  used  of  that  which  has  endured  for  some  time,  and 
still  continues."  See  H.  467,  III.  2;  B.  1083 ;  M.  g  334,  Obs. 

9.  Angustiis,  the  narrow  field,  the  limited  range.  Superque, 
and  more  than  enough. 

15.  Alteram  partem,  that  one  party  to  the  dispute. 

17.  Contubernii,  of  our  living  together,  possibly  under  the  same 
roof. 

18.  Saleinm  Bassum,  a  Roman  epic  poet,  contemporary  with 
Statius.     We  have  not  even  a  fragment  acknowledged  as  his  pro- 
duction.    He  is  commended  by  Quiutilian. 


214  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

gg       20.  Locupletiorem,  i.  e.  quam  Bassum,  who,  though  very  poor, 
could  furnish  strong  arguments  in  defence  of  poets  and  poetry. 
21.  Securus,  at  ease,  unconcerned ;  for  I  shall  not  attack  him. 
23.  Causas  agere,  conduct  causes,  as  counsel  or  advocate.    Qua- 
tenus,  since. 

25.  Plurium,  t.  e.  of  those  qui  poetae  nascuntur ;  whereas  Ma- 
ternus,  being  rather  an  orator  than  a  poet,  ought  not  to  be  defended 
on  the  merits  of  poets. 

27.  ParSre,  from  pario. 

28.  Complecti  provincias,  t.  e.  so  as  to  become  their  patronus, 
their  patron  and  protector.    Studium,  the  pursuit,  which  has  just 
been  mentioned. 

Q0       4.  Notitiam,  celebrity  (throughout). 

8.  Alienis,  to  strangers. 

9.  Ultro,  actually.    Ipse,  t.  e.  tu  ipse. 

10.  Potentia  ao  potestate,  with  efficacy  and  power.    The  first 
term  implies  a  general  command  of  means,  which  are  infallibly 
effective  in  fulfilling  every  purpose  which  the  agent  forms.     Po- 
testas  does  not  denote  power  in  general,  but  such  a  degree  of  it  as 
enables  the  agent  to  produce  a  given  effect.    If  below  what  it  should 
be,  it  fails  in  producing  the  effect;  and  it  is  not  understood,  as  in 
potentia,  that  there  should  ever  be  any  superfluous  force,  so  as  to 
create  terror  or  admiration.    Hill,  pp.  604—5. 

12.  Perfugio  et  tutela,  t'n  the  shelter  and  protection. 

13.  Proprium,  your  own.     Increpuit,  has  sounded  the  alarm. 

15.  Praesidium,  a  defence;  hence,  quo  propugnare  possis.     Te- 
lum,  an  offensive  weapon  ;  hence,  quo  incettere  possis,     Simul  ao  = 
at  once  —  and. 

16.  In  judicio.    He  alludes  to  the  court  of  the  centumviri,  who 
resembled  other  judices  in  this  respect,  that  they  decided  cases 
under  the  authority  of  a  niagistratus.    From  each  of  the  35  tribes 
were  chosen  three  members,  and  consequently  the  whole  number 
would  be  105;  but  they  were  called,  in  round  numbers,  the  hundred 
men.     This  collegium  seems  to  have  been  divided  into  four  parts, 
each  of  which  sometimes  sat  by  itself.     The  jurisdiction  of  this 
court  was  chiefly  limited  to  civil  matters  ;  its  functions,  however, 
are  not  well  ascertained.    Diet.  Antiqq. 

18.  Eprius  Marcellus  rose  by  his  oratorical  talents  to  distinction 
at  Rome  in  the  reigns  of  Claudius,  Nero,  and  Vespasian.  His 
contest  with  Helvidius  Priscus  in  the  senate,  A.  D.  70,  when  the 
mode  of  appointing  the  delegates  to  Vespasian  in  Egypt  was  de- 
bated, is  sketched  by  Tacitus,  Hist.  IV.  6-8.  Diet.  Biog. 


DIALOGUE.  215 

Page 

20.  Ejus  modi  —  such.    A  genitive  of  quality.  90 

2.  Orbitati,  to  one's  childlessness.     Flatterers  courted  the  child-   91 
less  rich  in  the  hope  of  being  made  their  heirs. 

3.  Officii  —  administration!,  to  the  administration  of  tome  office, 
as  a  tribute  to  official  dignity.    This  meaning  of  officium  is  limited 
chiefly  to  the  times  of  the  emperors.     In  earlier  Latin,  the  words 
might  mean_/br  the  performance  of  some  service.    Cf.  Agric.  19. 

4.  Ipsos — orbos,  nay  rather,  but  that  even  the  childless.  Immo  gen- 
erally begins  a  clause  or  sentence,  and  rarely  follows  other  words. 

6.  Ullane.  Notice  that  the  a,  though  short,  receives  the  accent, 
on  account  of  the  enclitic  ne. 

8.  Veteres  et  senes,  old  and  venerable,  though  the  words  are 
nearly  synonymous.     Vetus  means,  that  has  existed  a  long  time  ; 
senex  is  simply  old:  i.  e.  vetus  directly  expresses  what  senex 
only  implies. 

9.  Subnixos,  lit.  supported  ;  it  may  be  rendered,  enjoying. 

11.  Togatornm,  of  civilians.  Comitatus  et  egressus.  The 
patronus  and  the  popular  orator  loved  to  be  accompanied  on  public 
occasions  by  a  numerous  retinue. 

14.  Coire  populum  (to  see),  the  people  assemble. 

16.  Vulgata,  the  generally  known,  is  opposed  to  tantrum  —  nota. 

19.  Profert,  »c.  orator.  Est  —  constantia,  there  is,  as  of  hit 
own  delivery,  so  of  his  own  joy,  a  certain  weight  and  constancy  ;  i.  e. 
the  pleasurable  feelings  of  the  orator  are  as  great  and  as  durable 
as  the  force  of  his  words  and  the  effect  produced  by  them. 

21.  Curam,  effort ;  that  on  which  care  has  been  bestowed. 

22.  Commendat,  lends  a  favor  to,  renders  successful. 

1.  Latus  clavus,  the  purple  band.    The  latus  clavus  was  a  broad  92 
purple  band,  extending  perpendicularly  from  the  neck  down  the 
centre  of  the  tunica.    It  was  a  distinctive  badge  of  the  senatorian 
order,  and  hence  it  is  used  to  signify  the  senatorial  dignity.    Diet. 
Antiqq. 

2.  Homo  novas,  a  new  man,  that  is,  a  plebeian  who  first  attained 
a  curule  office,  and  was  the  founder  of  his  family's  nobilitas.    Diet. 
Antiqq.    Civitate  natus.    Whether  Secundus  was  a  native  of  Gaul 
or  of  Britain,  or  of  either,  is  unknown.     That  he  passed   some 
time  in  Britain  is  certain  from  chap.  17. 

6.  Centumviros.    See  note,  line  16,  page  90. 

8.  Libertos,  who  were  not  unfrequently  advanced  to  positions 
of  honor  and  influence.  Procuratores,  who  had  charge  of  the 
imperial  revenues  in  the  provinces. 


216  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

92  11  •  ^ec  —  Veniti  is  neither  conferred   by  letters  patent  nor  comes 
by  favor,    i.   e.   which   neither  imperial  authority  nor  favor  can 
bestow. 

13-16.  Qui  —  sui.  Here  the  MSS.  are  faulty,  and  it  is  probable 
that  something  has  dropped  from  the  text.  We  follow  Halm,  ex- 
cept that  we  omit  et  before  in  urbe,  to  make  the  sentence  readable. 
Modo,  only, 

18.  Tunicatus,  clad  with  tunics,  and  not  with  the  toga;  and 
hence  alluding  to  the  poorer  classes. 

20.  Jam  auditOS,  them  already  heard  of. 

23.  Ausim,  /  would  even  venture.    An  old  form  of  the  perfect 
subjunctive.    See  the  grammars. 

24.  Crispum  Vibium,  a   Human  orator  of  great  wealth  and  in- 
fluence.   Some  fragments  of  his  orations  are  preserved  in  Quin- 
tilian.    Diet.  Biog.    Obliteratis,  forgotten. 

26.  Notes  is  the  addition  of  Ursinus. 

28.  Nee  —  praestat.  The  passage  is  differently  read  by  different 
editors.  We  follow  Brotier.  Hoc,  t.  e.  their  world-wide  reputation. 
Illi  alterive,  to  the  one  or  to  the  other.  Ter  —  sestertium,  i.  e. 
ter  milies  centena  milia  sestertium  (  =sestertiorum),  three  hundred 
million  sesterces,  about  $12,000,000.  See  A.  A  S.  g  327,  Rem.  6; 
H.  713,  IV.  and  1 ;  B.  1658 ;  A.  85,  3;  Z.  g  873. 

93  2.  Sed  is  added  by  Lipsius. 

4.  Ad  quam  usque  fortunam,  to  ichat  a  pitch  of  fortune. 

5.  Haec,  ut  supra  dizi,  in  chapter  6. 

6.  Proxima,  so.  exempla  sunt. 

8.  Nati  sunt,  «e.  Marcellus  et  Vibius.    Quoque  =  et  quo. 

9.  Angustiae  rerum,  the  straitened  circumstances.     Nascentes, 
at  their  birth. 

10.  Clariora  et  illustriora.    The  use  of  synonyms  in  pairs  in 
this  speech  of  Aper  is  noteworthy ;  e.  g.,  numen  et  caelestis  vis ; 
sordidius  et  abjectius ;  paupertas  et  angustiae  rerum;  clariora  et 
illustriora;  divitiae  et  opes,  etc. 

12.  Substantia  facultatum  —fortune,  material  wealth. 

13.  Moribus,  in  point  of  character.    Alter,  one  of  them,  but  which 
is  not  known.     Habitu,  in  the  general  appearance,  in  the  physical 
conformation. 

16.  Caesaris,  i.  e.  Vespasian,  as  we  learn  farther  on.  Agunt 
feruntque  cuncta,  they  drive  and  carry  off  everything.  The  ex- 
pression is  used  by  other  writers  only  in  reference  to  the  violence 
of  plunderers  or  robbers,  who  drive  off  cattle,  and  carry  away 


DIALOGUE.  217 

Page 

booty.     It  is  introduced  here  to  describe  the  great  influence  of  93 
these  orators,  who,  like  those  of  Athens,  "wielded  at  will  that 
fierce  democracy." 

18.  Patientissimus  veri.  Such  truths  as  were  developed  by  lit- 
erary men,  to  whom  Vespasian  devoted  much  time.  Plin.  Ep.  III.,  5. 

20.  Ipsi  promptum  sit,  it  is  easy  for  him. 
22.  Quod  —  acceperint,  «.  e.  eloquence. 

24.  Tanta,  «c.  bona,  so  great  advantage*,  or  natural  endowments. 
Imagines.  These  images  were  figures  with  painted  masks  of 
wax,  made  to  resemble  the  persons  whom  they  represented.  They 
were  kept  in  the  Atrium  of  the  house,  accompanied  with  tituli, 
or  names  of  distinction  which  the  deceased  had  acquired.  Tituli 
were  also  inscribed  on  the  bases  of  statues,  etc. 

1.  Ineunte  adolescentia,  the  commencement  of  their  youth.    The  94 
period  of  adolescentia  extended  from  the  fifteenth  to  the  thirtieth 
year. 

6.  militates  alnnt,  foster  advantages. 

9.  Cui  bono  66t  =  who  is  benefited;  lit.  to  whom  is  it  for  an 
advantage.     Cui  does  not  agree  with  bono ;  the  construction  is 
that  of  two  datives.     The  expression  is  often  incorrectly  quoted, 
as  if  it  meant,  "  for  what  good  ?  " 

10.  Agamemnon  aut  Jason,  who  were  the  subjects  of  tragedy. 
Apud  te  =  tn  your  toorks  or  writings. 

12.  Poetam  —  vatem.     The  vates  or  prophet  was  directly  in- 
spired ;  and  as  the  poeta  was  also  moved  by  a  sort  of  inspiration, 
he  loved  to  hear  himself  called  by  the  more  august  name  rates. 

13.  Deducit,  conducts,  especially  to  the  forum  and  thence  home, 
as  a  mark  of  respect.     So  prosequitur,  accompanies,  especially  to 
the  gates  of  the  city. 

14.  Nempe,  why  (exclamatory,  not  interrogative) ;  in  fact. 
17.  Ut  —  facias,  that  yon  may  compose  verses  for  him. 

21.  Excudit  et  elucubravit.    These  words  are  intended  to  ex- 
press severe  and  long  continued  toil.    Ultro,  actually.    Ambire,  to 
solicit.    We  have  here  a  lively  description  of  the  means  adopted  by 
the  literati  of  the  time  of  bringing  themselves  and  their  produc- 
tions into  notice. 

24.  Libellos,  programmes,  or  notices  or  notes  of  invitation.  Et 
Ut,  and  although. 

26.  Aut  alterum  diem,  or  two  days. 

27.  In  —  praecepta,  anticipated  in  the  green  blade  or  blossom  f 
and  this  explains  why  ad  nullam  —  frugem. 

T 


218  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

95  4.  Quingenta  sestertia,  five  hundred  thousand  sesterces,  about 
$20,000.     Observe  that  sestertia  is  the  plural  of  sestertium  = 
1000  sesterces. 

6.  Mereri,  sc.  cum,  i.  e.  Eassuin. 

7.  Si  —  exigat.    These  words  seem  to  have  little  force  in  their 
present  position ;  whereas,  if  they  immediately  followed  mereri, 
they   would  be  full  of  meaning.     Render  exigat,   allowed,  per- 
mitted. 

14.  Opinio,  reputation.    Serviunt,  they  are  devoted. 
19.  Quotas  quisque,  how  few.    Adeo,  even. 

96  2.  Cothnrnum  vestrum  =  your  tragedies,  because  the  shoe  or 
buskin  of  the  tragedian  was  called  cothurnus. 

6.  Ceteris  —  studiis.   While  ceteris  is  not  really  redundant,  its 
omission  would  have  left  the  sense  perfectly  clear :  the  other  pur- 
suits of  arts  (that  are)  different;  or,  simply,  the  pursuits  of  other 
arts. 

7.  Cum  natura  tua,  although  your  natural  bent.    Ferat,  leads. 

10.  Ludioras  artes,  i.  e.  those  whose  sole  object  is  to  afford 
amusement,  as  dancing,  music,  etc. 

11.  Honestum,  respectable.    Nicostrati,  a  native  of  Cilicia.    He 
was  renowned  for  his  strength  and  prowess,  and  at  one  of  the 
Olympic  festivals  gained  the  prize  on  the  same  day  in  the  wrestling 
match  and  the  pancratium  (which  included  both  wrestling  and 
boxing).   Diet.  Biog. 

14.  Auditoriis,  in  which  poets  recited  their  productions. 

16.  Illud  is  defined  by  the  clause  tamquam  —  studium,  as  if 
the  occupations  of  poets  were  less  liable  to  give  offence  than  that  of 
orators. 

21.  Advocationis  =  of  one's  duty  as  counsel. 

23.  Personam  notabilem,  i.  e.  Cato,  the  uncompromising  de- 
fender of  liberty. 

25.  Hinc  —  ferri.  The  text  is  corrupt  here,  and  a  portion  of  it 
is  undoubtedly  wanting.  The  sense  is:  that  from  hence  (i.  e.  the 
inculcation  of  liberal  sentiments)  results  unbounded  assent  (to  the 
truths  taught),  that  these  (sentiments)  are  especially  commended  in 
the  recitation  halls  themselves,  and  are  soon  noised  abroad  by  the 
common  talk  of  all.  Tolle  igitur,  away,  then,  with. 

27.  Quietis — excusationem,  referring  to  what  is  said  in  lines 
17  and  IS  :  minus  obnoxium  —  studium. 

97  1-  In  quibus  expressis  =  in  the  expression  of  which.     The  perfect 
participle  is  not  unfrequently  equivalent  to  a  verbal  noun  in  to. 


DIALOGUE.  219 

Page 

6.  Intento  Ore,  with  an  earnest  manner  of  expression.     IntentO    97 
is  just  the  opposite  of  remissus,  mildly.    Farantem  is  Halm's 
reading.     The  MSS.  vary. 

7.  Non  minus  din,  t.  e.  in  just  as  long  a  speech. 

8.  Fore  —  prosterneret.    These  are  the  words  of  the  author  of 
the  dialogue,  not  those  of  Maternus. 

14.  Et  ingredi,  even  to  attain  to. 

15.  In  Nerone.    It  seems  better  to  take  these  words  in  the  sense 
usual  in  such  constructions,  as  indicating  the  title  of  one  of  the 
tragedies   of   Maternus.     Some    take   them    as   equivalent  to  sub 
Nerone,  in  the  time  of  Nero.     Studiorum  sacra,  the  sanctity  of  our 
vocation,  as  poets. 

16.  Vatinii,  one  of  the  vilest  and  most  hateful  creatures  of 
Nero's  court,  equally  deformed  in  body  and  in  mind.     He  obtained 
great  power  and  wealth  by  accusing  the  most  distinguished  men  in 
the  state.    Diet.  Biog. 

21.  Aera,  bronze  statues. 

23.  Hucusque  (hue  +  usque),  thus  far,  hitherto. 

26.  Secretum  ipsnm,  the  retirement  itself. 

2.  Inter   sordes,    amid    the  soiled  garments.     This  is  said  in   98 
allusion  to  the  custom  of  accused  persons,  when  undergoing  trial, 
wearing  old  and  soiled  clothing,  with  a  view  to  exciting  pity  in 
their  behalf. 

3.  Innocentia,  f.  e.  more  free  from  crime  than  the  city.    An 
adjective. 

4.  Sacris,  t.  e.  consecrated  to  the  muses,  or  to  some  deity.     Haeo 
—  primordia,  f.  e.  the  first  eloquence  was  the  eloquence  of  poetry. 

5.  Penetralia,  the  sanctuary  of  eloquence.    Habitu  cultuque, 
garb  and  attire. 

7.  Pectora,  of  the  early  bards.     Influxit,  «c.  eloquentia.     Sic  — 
loquebantnr.     It  is  well  known  that  the  most  ancient  oracles  were 
delivered  in  verse. 

8.  Sanguinantis  eloqnentiae,  of  the  informers  in  the  imperial 
times,  who  caused  the  death  of  many  innocent  victims. 

10.  More  nostro,  t.  e.  more  poetarum. 

13.  Male  admlssa,  deeds  wickedly  perpetrated. 

14.  Nee  nllis,  »c.  quam  poetis. 

17.  Neminem,  so.  fuisse,  depending  on  accepimus. 
20.  Composita,  invented.     Certe,  at  least. 

23.  Lysiae  aut  Hyperidis.    Lysias  and  Hyperides,  Athenian 
orators. 


220  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

98  25  •  Asinii.    Asinius  Pollio,  contemporary  with  Virgil. 

26.  Messalae.    Corvinua  Messala,  an  orator  contemporary  with 
Cicero. 

27.  Varii.    L.  Varius  Rufus,  a  distinguished  poet  of  the  Au- 
gustan age,  the  friend  of  Virgil  and  Horace.     Both  the  tragedies 
mentioned  are  lost. 

99  !•  Felix  contubernium,  the  happy  communion  of  poets  in  private 
life.    Timuerim,  1  shall  (not)  fear.     Subjunctive  of  modesty. 

5.  Gratia,  ablative.    Caruit,  «•.  Virgilius. 

8.  Universus,  in  a  body.    Forte  goes  with  praesentem. 

10.  Secundus  Pomponius  was  a  distinguished  poet  in  the  reigns 
of  Tiberius,  Caligula,  and  Claudius.  It  was  by  his  tragedies  that 
he  obtained  the  greatest  celebrity.  Afro  Domitio.  Domitius  Afer 
was  one  of  the  most  celebrated  orators  of  Rome.  He  died  A.  D. 
60.  Diet.  Biog. 

12.  Crispus  Vibius  and  Marcellus  Eprius,  previously  mentioned. 

15.  Quibus  praestant,  f.  e.  whose  superiors  they  are.  Indig- 
nantur,  probably  on  account  of  the  excessive  fees  demanded  of 
them. 

17.  Satis  servi,  quite  slaves. 

18.  Quae  —  est,  what  is  this  power  of  theirs  at  the  most  f  Tantum 
posse,  to  be  as  powerful. 

19.  Dulces  Musae.    See  Virgil.  Georg.  II.  475. 

22.  Nee  ultra  experiar,  nor  may  I  have  any  more  experience 
with. 

23.  Lubricum,  deceitful.    Famam  pallentem,  pale  fame,  i.  e. 
fame  liable  to  wane ;  or,  fame  acquired  only  by  cares  and  anxieties  ; 
either  sense  harmonizes  with  the  context.     Trepidus  =ioith  cease- 
less unrest. 

24.  Fremitus  salutantium.    This  refers  to  the  early  morning 
calls  of  clients  on  their  patronus.     Excitet,  sc.  e  somno. 

25.  Pro  pignore,  as  a  pledge  of  security,  i.  e.  by  making  the 
emperor  co-heir.     See  note  to  line  12,  page  78. 

27.  Quandoque  =  et  quando. 

28.  Statuar  tumulo,  may  I  be  placed  on  my  sepulchre,  i.  e.  may 
a  statue  of  me  be  placed,  etc. 

100  4.  Instinctus,  inspired,  "  ardore  quodam  poetico."  Vipstanus 
Messala  was  legionary  tribune  in  Vespasian's  army,  A.  D.  70. 
Intentione,  earnestness. 

7.  Seoretum,  a  private.    Tractantibus,  sc.  vobis. 

9.  Minime,  »ot  at  all.    Adeo,  even. 


DIALOGUE.  221 

Page 

11.  Accuratissimus,  the  very  elaborate.  1QQ 

14.  Ut  —  decebat,  i.  e.  in  language  both  bold  and  poetical, 
audentior  —  oratio.  Poetarum  («c.  orationi),  that  of  poet*. 

18.  Oratores,  the  orators.  Dedamatorio  Studio,  in  the  practice 
of  declamation  on  selected  subjects ;  as  was  usual  in  the  schools  of 
the  rhetoricians.  Ejus  modi  =  cucA. 

25.  Non  —  te,    that  no   lest  satisfaction    is  felt  in  you.     Julii 
Asiatic!.      Julius   Asiaticus,    who  joiued    Vindex   in   his  revolt 
against  Nero. 

27.  Scholasticis  controversiis,  i.  e.  the  discussions  and  decla- 
mations of  the  schools  of  the  rhetoricians.  What  Messala  here 
says  of  Aper  must  be  taken  in  an  ironical  sense,  as  appears  from 
the  beginning  of  the  next  chapter. 

7.  Fratris  tui.    Aquilius  Regulus,  who  "  was  more  of  a  raver  1Q1 
than  an  orator."    V. 

8.  Prae,  in  comparison  with.     The  true  reading  here  is  uncertain. 
Halm  supplies  prae.     Eo,  on  this  account. 

9.  Opinionem,  the  reputation,  the  opinion  which  others  have  of 
you. 

16.  Hujus  differentiae,  between  the  ancient  orators  and  those 
of  his  own  time. 

19.  Graiis  accidisse,  »'.  e.  that  there  is  the  same  difference  be- 
tween the  ancient  and  the  more  recent  Greek  orators. 

20.  Sacerdos  Nicetes,  a  Greek  rhetorician,  born  at  Smyrna. 

22.  Afer.    Domitius  Afer,  before  mentioned,  and  Julius  Afri- 
canus  ;  whom  Quintilian  considered  the  best  orators  he  had  heard. 

26.  Movisti,  you  nave  started. 

6.  Pro  duobus.  for  both,  Secundus  and  Aper. 

7.  Ego   et   Secundus.    Notice  the  order,  which   accords  with  102 
Rom.in  custom. 

10.  Manifestus  est.    The  personal  construction,  in  imitation  of 
the  Greek,  instead  of  the  impersonal    (manifestnm  eat),  which  is 
more  usual  in  Latin. 

11.  In  contrarium,  for  the  opposite  side,  for  the  negative. 
16.  Significatione,  expression. 

18.  Versantur  -—present  themselves. 

19.  Mille  —  annis.    According  to  Aper,  then,   the  capture  of 
Troy  must  have  taken  place  more  than  1200  years  B.  c. 

23.  Ita  tamen,  yet  so  =  but  with  this  limitation. 

24.  Trecentos.    The  MSS.  have  ccc,  a  manifest  error  for  cccc. 

T2 


222  NOTES    TO    THE 

.Page 

102  Demosthenes  died  322  B.  c.     Hence  some  editors  read  quadrin- 
gentot. 

27.  Beferas  =you  compare,  refer  to  for  comparison. 

28.  Hujus  aevi,  the  interval  from  Nestor  to  Tacitus.    Perquam 
=^per  quam,  extremely. 

103  2.  Hortensio,  the  title  of  one  of  the  lost  works  of  Cicero. 
Magnus  annus.    This  great  year,  which  is  also  called  Platonicus, 
was,  in  the  view  of  the   ancients,  that  vast  period  to  be  completed 
when   all   the   heavenly  bodies   should  occupy  the  same  relative 
positions   as   at   the   beginning   of  the    world.      Its   length   was 
variously  estimated  by  ancient  astronomers.     The  year  in  question 
has  reference  to  the  precession  of  the  equinoxes,  which  causes  the 
pole  of  the  equator  to  revolve  around  the  pole  of  the  ecliptic. 
The  greater  precision  of  modern   astronomy  fixes  the  period  at 
25.800  years.     Compare  Virgil,  Eel.  iv.  12. 

3.  Quae  —  est,  which  exists  at  any  particular  time.  Notice  the 
somewhat  rare  expression  cum  maxima  (cummaxime,  quum- 
maxime),  particularly,  pre-eminently. 

8.  The  addition  of  fere  was  quite  unnecessary;  in  the  case  sup- 
posed Demosthenes  lived  in  about  the  middle  of  the  month,  which 
would  contain  nearly  1080  solar  years. 

11.  Menenium  Agrippam,  consul  in  B.  c.  502.  His  intercession 
with  the  plebs  on  the  occasion  of  their  secession,  is  related  by 
Livy,  II.  32. 

17.  Tiro  libertus.    M.  Tullius  Tiro  was  the  freedman  and  pupil 
of  Cicero,  to  whom  he  was  an  object  of  the  most  devoted  friend- 
ship and  tender  affection.     He  appears  to  have  been  a  man  of  very 

-  amiable  disposition  and  highly  cultivated  intellect.  He  was  not 
only  the  amanuensis  of  the  orator,  and  his  assistant  in  literary 
labor,  but  was  himself  an  author  of  no  mean  reputation,  and 
notices  of  several  works  from  his  pen  have  been  preserved  by 
ancient  writers.  To  him,  it  is  more  than  probable,  is  due  the 
preservation,  in  their  collective  form,  of  the  works  of  his  illustrious 
patron.  Diet.  Biog.  Septimo  (die  ante)  idus,  December  7th. 

18.  Decembres  is  the  addition  of  Lipsius. 
20.  Statue,  set  doicn,  with  the  view  of  adding. 
22.  Gai  or  Caii.    Caligula. 

24.  Longum  annum.    From  the  accession  of  Galba  to  that  of 
Vespasian  was  387  days. 

25.  Sextain  stationem  =  the  sixth  year.    "  Imperator  tamquam 
custos  civitatis  in  excubiis  positus  cogitatur.    Sic  siugulos  imperil 
annos  stationes  appellare  licet."    Hi. 


DIALOGUE.  223 

Page 

26.  Centum  et  viginti,  the  round  number.    The  sum  is  118    JQ3 
years.    The  sixth  year  of  Vespasian's  reign  corresponds  to  A.  D.  75. 
4.  Armatus,  i.  e.  then  old  enough  to  be  a  soldier.  1QA 

8.  Congiario,  distribution  of  money  ;  originally,  of  food,  congiui 
denoting  a  certain  measure. 

13.  Saeculum,  a  generation,  usually  of  33J  years ;  but  here  its 
measure  is  centum  et  viginti  anni. 

15.  Aures,  the  hearers,  auditors. 

18.  Temporibus,  for  their  times.    In  medio  =  before  «*. 

21.  A  block  of  marble  may  be  horridus,  rough  with  jagged 
points;  impolitus,  unpolished ;  rudis,  unhewn,  un wrought;  in- 
formis,  not  reduced  to  form  or  symmetry :  and  so  were  the  orations 
of  these  men. 

25.  Ante  praedixero,  I  shall  have  first  premised.  Mutari  — 
dicendi.  A  truth  which  has  been  considerably  expanded  by  the 
researches  of  modern  philology.  Language  itself  is  a  growth,  and 
has  its  periods  of  bloom  and  decay ;  it  receives  a  characteristic 
impress  according  to  the  development  of  ideas  and  the  changing 
forms  of  civilization. 

28.  Distinctior,  more  pointed,  with  distinctions  more  clearly 
drawn ;  urbanior,  more  elegant,  more  like  a  town-bred  man. 

6.  Statim,  at  once,  i.  e.  on  the  discovery  of  the  difference.  IQK 

9.  Appium  Caecum,  whose  eloquence  is  extolled  by  Livy.     He 
is  better  known  as  having  commenced  the  Appian  Way,  and  as 
having  dissuaded  the  senate  from  making  peace  with  Pyrrhus. 

11.  Satis  pressus,  terse  enough.    Supra  modum  =  immoderately, 
excessively. 

12.  Parum  Atticus,   not   Attic    enough,  not  like  the  Athenian 
orators.    Attici  pressi  et  integri,  Asiani  inflati  et  inanes.     Quint, 
xii.  10,  16. 

14.  Missas   epistolas.    The   context   shows   that  missas  is  a 
participle,  and  epistolas  the  object  of  legistis. 

16.  Otiosum,    careless;  lit.   calm,  t.  e.  unconcerned,   careless. 
Dijunctum,  disjointed. 

17.  Male  audisse,  was  ill  spoken  of. 

18.  Solutum,  diffuse.    Fractum  atque  elumbem  has  the  general 
sense  of  weak  and  powerless  ;  but  the  literal  meaning  of  the  words 
is  more  forcible. 

23.  Quatenus,  as,  since.  The  conclusion  to  this  sentence  begins 
with  non  infirmitate,  eto.  The  true  reading  of  a  portion  of  the 
passage  is,  however,  quite  uncertain.  We  follow  Halm. 


224  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

106       2.  Diversitate  aurium,  i.  e.  a  different  class  of  hearers. 

4.  Impeditissimarum,  of  the  most  cumbersome. 

7.  Alte  repetita  Series,  afar-fetched  chain. 

9.  Hermagorae.    Hermagoras  of  Temuos,  a  distinguished  Greek 
rhetorician  of  the  time  of  Cicero.    He  devoted  particular  attention 
to  what  is  called  the  invention,  and  made  a  peculiar  division  of  the 
parts  of  an  oration.    Diet.  Eiog. 

10.  Apollodori.   Apollodorus,  of  Pergamus,  a  Greek  rhetorician. 
Augustus  was  one  of  his  pupils.    Quod  si,  and  if. 

11.  Odoratus  =  to  have  a  smattering  of. 

12.  Locum  aliquem,  some  topic.  . 

15.  Flacita,  the  dogmas,  tenets,  or  opinions. 

17.  Cortina,  here  the  circle  of  hearers.    Certe,  at  least. 

19.  Exquisitis,  carefully  chosen.     Est,  has. 

22.  Nee  —  tempora,  i.  e.  for  hearing  causes;  but  they  them- 
selves appoint  (constituunt)  the  times. 

24.  TJltro,  actually.  Alio  =  to  other  matters,  or  to  another  part 
of  the  subject. 

107       !•  *n  Verrem  libros.    Cicero's  famous  orations  against  Verres. 
Exspectabit,  i.  e.  will  have  patience  to  read  through. 

2.  De  exceptione.    The  exception  of  the  defendant  to  the  plain- 
tiff's  statements.    Formula.     In  judicial    proceedings,   technical 
phraseology,  or  a  prescribed  form  of  words. 

3.  M.  Tullio.    Cicero's  oration  for  M.  Tullius  is  lost.    That  for 
Caecina  is  extant. 

6.  Corruptus,  bribed,  i.  e.  enticed  or  allured. 

7.  Adsistentium,  of  by-standers.     Adfluens  =  the  casual. 

9.  Laetitiam,  spriyhtliness.    Impexam,  unpolished,  unadorned. 

11.  Q.  Roscius  was  the  most  celebrated  comic  actor  at  Rome, 
contemporary  with  Cicero.     L.  Ambivius  Turpio  was  a  celebrated 
actor  in  the  time  of  Terence,  in  most  of  whose  plays  he  acted. 

12.  Et,  even  when.    In  —  positi,  to  be  forged  and  rounded  into 
shape.    An  odd  but  forcible  figure. 

16.  Tradunt  in  vicem,  they  impart  to  each  other  what  they  have 
learned.     Scribunt,  to  their  friends.     This  is  implied  by  the  use 
of  in  with  the  following  accusatives. 

17.  Sensus  aliquis,  some  thought.    Sensus  is  the  thought  as  it 
is  conceived  in  the  mind  j  senteutia  is  the  expression  of  it  in 
language. 

20.  Accius  and  Facuvius  were  writers  of  tragedy  and  comedy 
in  the  ante-classical  period.  Some  fragments  of  their  writings 
still  remain. 


DIALOGUE.  225 

Page 

3.  TTnum  do  populo.    Cf.  Cic.  pro  Archia,  10 :  malu»  poeta  de   JQ8 
populo.    Non —  memorabo.    The  words  in  italics  are  supplied  by 
Hitter,  to  remedy  a  defect  in  the  MSS.,  which  exhibit  much  variety 
and  confusion  here. 

5.  Valetudinario,  infirmary,  home  for  invalids,  who  are  the 
admirers  of  the  ancients.  Haec  —  maciem,  i.  e.  discourse  without 
elegance  and  embellishment. 

9.  Calvi,  *c.  oratiunculas. 

11.  Accusationes,  sc.  Calvi.    " In  Vatininm  "  is  their  title. 

17.  Caelianis  orationibns,  of  M.  Caelius  (Coelius)  Rufus,  con- 
temporary with  Cicero. 

22.  Ex  ea  parte,  in  that  respect.     Sane,  certainly,  indeed. 

26.  Tarn  (C.  Caesarem  occupationibus  suis  relinquamue)  hercule 
quam,  etc. 

1.  Caesaris,  «c.  orationem.     Both  the  orations  named  are  lost.       JQQ 

5.  Bibli.oth.ecas,  both  public  and  private.  Rettulerunt,  i.  e. 
caused  them  to  be  placed. 

7.  Propioribus,  i.  e.  in  times  nearer  to  us,  later. 

14.  Exsurgit  toris.    The  subject  is  sanguis,  and  though  the 
expression  is  perfectly  intelligible,  the  figure  is  faulty.    Corvinum. 
M.   Corvinus   Mcssala,  before  mentioned.     His  eloquence  is  com- 
mended by  Quintilian.     Cf.  chap.  17. 

16.  Nee  —  Stetit,  it  teas  not  owing  to  himself. 

17.  Viderimus.    The  text  is  faulty  here,  and  the  reading  varies 
in  different  editions.     It  is  the  opinion  of  many  editors  that  some 
words  have  dropped  from  the  text.     In  quantum,  how  far. 

18.  Sufiecerit,  f.  e.  answered  the  calls  of  his  judgment. 

26.  Composition!,  in  their  arrangement  or  collocation.     Locos, 
passages. 

27.  Sententias,  expressions.    See  note,  line  17,  page  107. 

5.  Otiosus,  indifferent,  easily  allowing  them.  |JQ 

7.  Lumine,  like  the  light  in  a  picture,  which,  being  rendered 
more  intense  by  the  shade,  gives  force  and  expression  to  the  de- 
lineation. Nihil  excerpere,  i.  e.  there  are  no  gems  of  thought 
which  you  can  carry  away  with  you.  Beferre.  Cf.  re/erre  domum  : 
cap.  20. 

10.  Lautum,  whose  wealth  is  seen  in  the  elegance  of  his  home 
and  its  appointments. 

15.  Aurum  et  gemmae,  in  various  works  of  art.    So  in  discourse, 
let  there  be  luminous  passages,  studded  with  beauty,  which  shall 
bear  repeated  perusal. 

15  —  Dia. 


226  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 
HO       17.  Olentia,  musty.     Sensus,  sentences  or  periods. 

19.  In  —  annalium.      He  has  in  mind  the  dry  ness  and  dulness 
of  the  earlier  Roman  annalists. 

20.  Composi.ti.onem,    his    arrangement,    or    the   disposition    of 
words. 

22.  Rotam  Fortunae.  This  and  the  other  expressions  quoted 
are  from  Cicero.  The  first  is  found  in  Cic.  in  Pison,  c.  10.  Jus 
Verrinum,  a  play  of  words :  it  may  mean  either  the  justice  of 
Verres  ;  or,  hog-broth  (verres  =  a  boar).  Cicero  quotes  the  expres- 
sion as  common  among  the  Sicilians.  Cic.  in  Verr.,  lib.  I.  46. 
Hence  Aper's  criticism  is  unduly  severe. 

24.  Pro  sententia,  for  or  instead  of  the  strong  point  in  an 
opinion,  at  the  conclusion  of  the  sentence  :  for  an  opinion.  "  Con- 
Buetudo  jam  tenuit,  ut  mente  concepta  sensus  vocaremus,  lumiua 
autem  praecipueque  in  clausulis  posita  sententias."  Quintil.  8,  5,  2. 
Esse  videatur ;  e.  y.  in  the  oration  pro  lege  Manilia  it  occurs  ten 
times  at  the  close  of  a  period. 

28.  Versantur,  present  themselves. 

HI  2.  Aufidius  Bassus,  an  orator  and  historian,  who  lived  under 
Augustus  and  Tiberius.  No  fragments  of  his  compositions  have 
been  preserved.  M.  Servilius  Nonianus,  consul  A.  r>.  35,  was  one 
of  the  most  celebrated  orators  and  historians  of  his  time. 

3.  Sisennae.    L.   Cornelius  Sisenna,  a  Roman  annalist,  born 
about  118  B.  e.,  whom  Cicero  pronounces  superior  to  any  of  his 
predecessors.    Varronis.    M.  Terentius  Varro,    whose   vast   and 
varied  erudition  in  almost  every  department  of  literature  earned 
for  him  the  title  of  the  "  most  learned  of  the  Romans,"  was  born 
B.  c.  116.     He  was  the  most  voluminous  of  Roman  authors,  having 
composed  no  less  than  four  hundred  and  ninety  books. 

4.  Rhetorum  —  commentaries,  ?.  q.  oratorum  nostrorum  libros. 
Ri. 

5.  Calvi,  who  was  thought  by  some  to  rival  even  Cicero. 

10.  Nimia  is  Halm's  reading.     Editors  generally  have  animi. 
12.  Fortem,  laetum,   alacrem,   strong,  sprightly,  enthusiastic. 
Prope  —  ab,  he  is  near  to. 
18.  Cultum,  grace,  embellishment,  in  the  disposition  of  them. 

21.  Sic  eiprimitis,  you  so  ylve  expression  to. 

H2      7.  A  vestris  philosophis.    Sic  loquitur  qui  non  in  urbe  sed  ex 
Gallia  ortus  est;  dicit  Academioos.    Ri. 
8.  CelebratO,  practised. 
12.  Annos  is  the  subject  of  effici. 


DIALOGUE.  227 

Page 
13.  Ratio,  a  computation,  reckoning.     See  chap.  17.  112 

16.  Nominis,  t.  e.  in  regard  to  the  term  aiitiquw. 

24.  Nedum,  much  more. 

25.  Quo  modo  =just  as.     Primae,  the  first  place,  sc.  partes. 
27.  Lycurgus,  an  Attic  orator,  born  at  Athens  about  396  B.  c. 

His  life   is  written  by  Plutarch.    Only  one   of   his  orations  and 
some  fragments  remain. 

5.  Adstrictior,  more  condensed.    Numerosior,  more  rhythmical,    JJ3 
hence,  more  harmonious. 

9.  Ferunt,  exhibit. 

18.  Brutum.  Adolescentulus  Tacitus  libertatis  vindicem  magno- 
pere  veneratur.  Ri. 

21.  C.  Laelium.    C.  Laelius,  whose  intimacy  with  the  younger 
Scipio  Africanus  obtained  an  imperishable  monument  in  Cicero's 
treatise,  "  Laelius  sive  de  Amicitia,"  was  born  about  185  B.  c.     In 
his  own  age  he  was  the  model,  and  in  history  he  is  the  representa- 
tive of  the  Greek  culture  which  sprang  up  rapidly  at  Rome  in  the 
seventh  century  of  the  city.    Diet.  Biog. 

22.  Non  destitit,  sc.  Aper. 

23.  Non  exigit,  it  (Aper's  attack)  does  not  call  for. 

1.  Calamistros,    the   affected  elegance.     Tinnitus,    the  jingling    |J£ 
sentences.     Gallio  was  a  rhetorician  contemporary  with  Ovid. 

4.  Cultus,  style,  the  garb  of  discourse. 

7.  Histrionales,  of  stage-players.  The  word  is  probably  used 
only  by  Tacitus. 

9.  Cantari,  on  account  of  the  extravagant  modulation  of  the 
voice  affected  by  the  declaimers ;  saltari,  on  account  of  their  ex- 
travagant gestures. 

11.  Quibusdam,  among  some;  the  dative  depends  on  oritur. 
The  true  reading  here  is  uncertain. 

17.  Plus  —  sanguinis,  i.  e.  he  had  more  violence  than  force ;  he 
was  rather  violent  than  forcible. 

20.  Incompositus,  immethodical.  Dejectus,  beaten  back,  or  dis- 
lodged from  his  position  ;  a  military  term. 

25.  Sustinuit,  ventured.  The  word  occurs  in  this  sense  chiefly 
in  negative  object-clauses. 

2.  Sequentium,  of  their  followers  or  successors,  sc.  oratornm.         ^ 

3.  In  publicum,  in  general;  nearly  equivalent  to  in  commune. 

5.  Quotus  quisque,  how  few. 

7.  Gabinianum,  a  Roman  rhetorician,  who  taught  rhetoric  in 
Gaul  in  the  time  of  Vespasian.  Little  else  is  known  of  him. 


228  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

115  11.  Appara  te.    This  is  Halm's  reading,  and  that  of  the  MSS. 
Puteolanus  edited  appropera,  and  editors  generally  follow  him. 

21.  Citra  damnum  adfectus,  without  prejudice  to  good-will,  with- 
out marring  friendly  feelings. 

116  1.  In  medium  =  before  you;  or,  to  view. 

4.  Praecipientium,  of  instructors  ;  among  whom  was  the  Grae- 
cula  ancilla  (chap.  29) ;  hence  the  use  of  the  participle  instead  of 
praeceptorum  (masculine). 

7.  Vestra  (mala),  f.  e.  of  you,  who  are  Roman  provincials,  and 
better  acquainted  with  those  evils  than  I. 

11.  Form.an.dos,  i.  e.  in  giving  them  such  a  full  and  symmetrical 
education,  as  well  physical  as  intellectual,  as  shall  tend  to  develop 
character  in  them. 

12.  Caique.    The  dative  depends  on  educabatur. 

15.  Tueri  domum,  to  watch  over  her  home.     Inservire,   to  be 
devoted  to. 

22.  Corneliam,  the  mother   of  the   Gracchi.    Aureliam,   the 
mother  of  Julius  Caesar.     Atiam,  the  mother  of  Augustus,  and 
sister  of  Julius  Caesar. 

24.  Praefuisse,  superintended.    Principes,  noble. 

117  !•  luclinasset,  «c.  natura  unius  cujusque. 

8.  Pensi  habet,  does  (any  one)  care.     Pensi  is  genitive  of  value. 
Infante  domino,  i.  e.  a  child  that  will  one  day  be  their  master. 

12.  Sui  —  contemptus,  a  contempt  for  what  concerns  themselves 
and  others. 

14.  Histrionalis  favor,  a  fondness  for  stage-players. 

16.  Studia,  a  predilection,  or  passion  for. 

22.  Ingenii  experimento,  from  any  proof  of  their  ability. 
Ambitione,  by  a  round.  Illecebris,  by  the  alluring  arts. 

28.  Rhetoras.    Greek  form  of  the  accusative  plural. 
Hg      1.  Quando  is  interrogative ;  and  so  is  quam  (in  quamque) ;  both 
the  indirect  questions  depend  on  statim  dicturus. 

2.  Quamque  nullam,  etc.,  and  what  authority  it  had  not,  etc. 

3.  Statim  dicturus,  intending  to  state  at  the  outset.     He  states 
both   facts,   however,   no   earlier   than   in   chap.    35.      Referam, 
tc.  ut. 

8.  Brutus  inscribitur,  or,  "  De  Claris  Oratoribus." 

12.  Q.  Mucium.    Q.  Mucius  Scaevola,  the  most  learned  lawyer 

of  his  time.    Philonem  Academicum,   Philo   the  Academic,  a 

native  of  Larissa.     He  settled  in  Rome,  where  he  became  a  teacher 

of  philosophy   and  rhetoric.     Diodotum   Stoicum,  Diodotus  the 


DIALOGUE.  229 

Page 

Stoic,  who  lived  for  many  jears  at  Rome,  in  the  house  of  Cicero,    118 
to  whom  he  left  a  property  of  about  100,000  sesterces. 

15.  Contigerat.  The  indicative,  here  in  oratio  obliqua,  marks 
the  clause  as  inserted  by  the  writer,  or,  at  least,  as  endorsed  by 
him. 

19.  Grammaticae,  which,  in  its  wider  sense,  included  also  litera- 
ture, criticism,  and  philology. 

21.  Moralis  partis  («c.  philosophiae)  =  of  moral  philosophy. 
Cicero  first  uses  the  word  moralis :  Nos  earn  partem  philosophiae, 
de  moribus  appellare  solemus :  sed  decet  augentein  linguam  La- 
tinam  nominare  moralem.  De  Fata,  1. 

26.  Sicut  ceterarum  rerum  :  for  all  other  things,  and  eloquence 
itself,  may  be  the  subjects  of  eloquence;  while  the  range  of  other 
pursuits  is  comparatively  circumscribed. 

1.  Pro  —  rerum,  befitting  the  dignity  of  the  subjects.  119 

3.  Hoc,  namely,  that  an  orator  should  be  able  to  speak  in  the 
manner  described  at  the  close  of  the  last  chapter. 

9.  Subjecta  materia,  the  subject-matter  submitted. 

12.  In  —  misceantur,  are  mingled  together. 

16    Ilia  =  t he  following  advantages. 

20.  Motibus,  impulses  or  emotions.     Concitetur,   «c.   miseri- 
cordia. 

21.  Cupidos,  those  well  disposed  to  him. 

23.  Dicendum  habuerit,  he  shall  have  to  speak.     This  use  of  the 
gerund  indicates  an  idiom  unknown  to  writers  of  the  golden  age. 
See  Madvig,  g  422,  Obs.  2. 

24.  Adhibebit  manum,  will  apply  hit  hand,  i.  e.  to  the  venas 
animorum,  as  a  physician  feels  the  pulse  of  his  patient. 

26.  Adstrictum  et  collectum,   a  concise  and  compact.    The 
words  are  nearly  synonymous. 

27.  Singula  —  concludens,   at   once  concluding  each  argument, 
somewhat  in  the  syllogistic  manner,  without  diffuse  and  varied 
illustrations  of  the  subject. 

1.  Aequalis,    equable,  proceeding   in   a  uniform   and  equable   120 
manner. 

2.  Sensibus,  feelings ;  the  common  way  of  thinking.     Oratio, 
style  of  discourse. 

3.  Peripateticis,  a  school  of  philosophy  founded  by  Aristotle, 
whose  lectures  in  the  Lyceum,  at  Athens,  were  attended  by  a  large 
number  of  distinguished  scholars  out  of  all  the  Hellenic  cities  of 
Europe  and   Asia.     His  lectures   on   philosophy  were   delivered 

u 


230  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

120  while  walking  up  and  down  in  the  shady  walks  (irtpiiraroi)  which 
surrounded  the  Lyceum. 

5.  Locos,  topics,  or  the  bases  of  arguments,  romi,  of  which  Aris- 
totle has  left  eight  books.     Academic!,  or  the  Platonic  school  of 
philosophers.     Fugnacitatem  :  hie  enim  nios  erat  patrius  Acade- 
miae,  adversari   semper  omnibus   in   disputando.     (7tc.  de  Orat., 
I.  18. 

6.  Epicuri,  the  founder  of  the  philosophical  school  named  after 
him   the   Epicurean.     His   mode   of  living,  notwithstanding   the 
aspersions  of  comic   poets   and   later  philosophers,   was   simple, 
temperate,  and  cheerful.     Though  one  of  the  most  prolific  of  the 
ancient  Greek  writers,  only  a  few  fragments  of  his  works  remain. 
Metrodorus  was  his  favorite  pupil. 

7.  Exclamationes,  a  translation  of  the  Greek  avaxpavydapaTa, 
applied  to  the  sententious  dicta  of  Epicurus,  no  doubt  somewhat 
contemptuously,  by  his  opponents :  "  Da  dem  Epicur  und  seinen 
Sehiilern  alle  Beredsamkeit  abgesprochen  wird."    P. 

9.  Neque  —  artem  :  our  object  is  not  to  form  a  philosopher,  who 
is  one-sided,  but  an  orator,  who  may  borrow  from  philosophy 
whatever  is  worth  borrowing.     Sapientem  =  philosopbum.    Stoi- 
corum.     The   school   of  the   Stoics   was   founded   by  Zeno,   who 
taught  his  doctrines  in  the  porch  called  Stoa  Poicele,  whence  the 
school  derived  its  name.     The  reading  artem  is  uncertain ;  other 
readings  are  cioem,  civitatem. 

12.  Orammaticae,  sc.  scientia.     Grammatica  is  another  reading. 

17.  Nec  —  doceamur,  i.  e.  that  varied  learning  is  not  essential 
to  the  orator,  but  that  when  occasion  demands  knowledge  not 
immediately  concerned  with  oratory,  he  may  seek  such  knowledge 
from  those  skilled  in  it. 

19.  Propriis,  what  is  our  own,  our  own  acquisitions. 

22.  Aliud  agentes,  lit.  doing  another  thing,  i.  e.  when  not  occu- 
pied with  them.  See  the  same  expression  in  Agricola,  cap.  43,  and 
note  to  line  26,  page  77. 

26.  Numeros  =  partes ;  in  which  sense  it  is  frequently  used, 
e.  g.  liber  omnibus  numeris  absolutux.  Plin.  Ep.  Quid  omnibus 
nwneris  praestantius  ?  Quint.  Isse  =  ivisse. 

121  ^'  Quotidian!  sermonis  vitia.  From  this  we  learn  that  Latin 
formed  no  exception  to  the  general  truth,  that  in  languages  pos- 
sessing a  literature,  there  is  a  marked  difference  between  spoken 
and  written  language. 

10.  Ut  quae,  so  that  what. 


DIALOGUE.  231 

Page 

19.  His  verbis,  in  Orator,  cap.  3.  121 

21.  Officials  is  the  word  used  by  Cicero  in  the  passage  referred 
to,  and  was  inserted  in  our  text  by  Haase.     Notice  the  fine  contrast 
in  officinis  (contracted  workshops)  and  spatiis  (the  spacious  fields). 
8.  Quern  ad  modum  =  quemadinodum,  as.    Scirint  =  sciverint.   J22 
13.  Usu  is  the  addition  of  Tyrwhitt,  and  is  approved  by  Hm. 
and  He. 

21.  Tot  tam  res,  so  many  things  to. 

22.  Nisi  Ut,  unless  as, i.  e.  unless  in  proportion  as.     Scientiae  — 
USU8.     The  essentials,  he  says,  are  knowledge,  the  habit  of  think- 
ing, capability,  practice. 

24.  Eationem,  that  the  method  or  rational  process. 

4.  Domestica,  not  domestic,  but  at  home.  123 

7.  Sectari,  domo  exeuntem;  prosequi,  tendentem  in  forum. 
Ri. 

12.  Constantiae,  the  self-possession  that  comes  from  knowledge 
and  experience. 

13.  In  media  luce,  and  not  in  the  schools  of  the  rhetoricians. 

15.  Aut  contrarie,  or  absurdly ;  in  opposition  to  what  has  been 
or  ought  to  be  said. 

16.  Advocati,  here  nearly  equivalent  to  witnesses;  those  who 
were  called  by  the  parties  to  a  suit  to  aid  them.     In  later  Latin 
advocatus  meant  also  attorney,  advocate.     In  the  strictly  classical 
period  th.e  patronus  spoke  for  his  client. 

19.  Patronos.    See  preceding  note. 

25.  Rudibus,  with  foils;  lit.  wooden   swords  or  rods  used  in 
learning  to  fence. 

27.  Nee  male,  which  is  necessary  to  complete  the  sense,  is  the 
addition  of  Rudolphus  Agricola,  and  is  adopted  by  Hm.,  He.,  P., 
and  commended  by  others. 

1.  In  diversis  snbselliis,  on  the  opposite  benches,  or  the  benches   104 
occupied  by  the  attorneys,  witnesses,  and  partisans  of  the  opposite 
party  in  trials. 

2.  Quin  immo=n«y  more;  the  expression  is  strongly  corrobo- 
rative  of    the  preceding    remark.      Constantius  —  corroborari. 
Because  a  reputation  that  is  acknowledged  even  by  our  antagonists 
and  rivals  is  quite  certain  to  be  built  upon  an  enduring  foundation. 

13.  Altero  et  vicesimo,  in  the  twenty-second. 

18.  Scenam,  here  used  contemptuously  for  schola*. 

21.  Ut  ait  Cicero,  de  Oratore.  III.  24. 

23.  In  (not  found  in  the  MSS.)  is  added  by  Schurzfleisch. 


232  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

124  24.  TTtrumne.    The  parts  of  this  word  were  sometimes  separated, 
but  in  later  writers  they  are  generally  written  as  one  word. 

125  2-   Contrariae,  inconsistent,  injudicious.     Nempe,  that  is  to  tay, 
namely. 

3.  Suasoriae.  There  are  still  extant  one  book  of  M.  Annaeus 
Seneca's  Suasoriae,  and  ten  of  his  Controversiae.  V. 

7.  Per  fidem,  an  exclamation :  "  by  my  faith." 

10.  Vitiatarum  electiones.  A  frequent  subject  for  declamations 
in  the  schools  was  violated  virgins,  and  the  choice  they  made  either 
to  marry  their  ravishers  or  to  have  them  put  to  death.  V.  Festi- 
lentiae  remedia.  "  Responsa  iu  pestilentia  data  ut  virgines  tres 
aut  plure*  immolentur."  Petron.,  c.  1.  Similar  evidences  of  this 
refinement  of  inanities  are  furnished  by  Quintilian. 

13.  Ventura,  est.  After  these  words  the  MSS.  notice  a  gap.  One 
has,  hie  multum  deficit.  Another,  multum  deficit  in  exen^laribus 
quae  reperinntur.  One  Vatican  has,  hie  multum  deficit;  another, 
tie  destmt  sex  pagellae.  Scholars  do  not  agree  as  to  the  amount 
of  the  missing  text.  P.  In  Valpy's  Tacitus,  "  From  the  text  of 
Brotier,  with  his  explanatory  notes,"  a  supplement  of  fourteen 
chapters  fills  the  chasm.  Of  this  supplement  we  have  inserted  in 
the  text  just  enough  to  preserve  a  tolerable  connection. 

17.  Umbratici,  in  the  shade  or  seclusion  of  their  schools, 
secluded,  the  opposite  of  tn  media  luce.  See  note,  line  13,  page 
123. 

12fi       ^'  -P^licani  rem  is  tne  reverse  of  the  established  order  of  the 
words. 

3.  Cogitate.  Rent  cogitant  habet  codex  Leidensis,  ceteri  rem 
cogitare.  Sed  temptare  aliquid  in  loco  truncate  lubricum  est. 
Hi. 

6.  Eadem  ratio,  sc.  quae  Demosthenis  eloquentiam  provexit. 

8.  Ea  —  fas  erat.    The  present  orators,  he  says,  have  attained 
all  the  results  of  eloquence  attainable  in  a  tranquil  and  undisturbed 
condition  of  the  state. 

9.  Ilia  perturbatione,  from  that  disturbed  condition  which  often 
characterized  the  republic,  and  was  often  fomented  by  the  rival 
orators. 

10.  Videbantur,  so.  oratores  antiqui. 

11.  Mixtis  omnibus,  lit.  all  being  mingled  together,  which  seems 
to  mean,  all  being  embroiled  or  involved  in  perplexity.      "  Wo  Alles 
in  Verwirrung  aufging."    Ri.     Moderatore  uno,  i.  e.  without  a 
controlling  head,  without  an  emperor. 


DIALOGUE.  233 

Page 

12.  Erranti,  wandering,  \.  e.  like  sheep  without  a  shepherd,    J26 
sine  moderators.     Persuaderi,  «c.  eum  sapere. 

13.  Leges  assiduae  ad  populum  latae  et  vel  suasae  vel  dissuasae. 
Ri.   Populate  nomen,  the  name  of  friend  of  the  people. 

16.  Adsignatae  —  inimicitiae,  hereditary  feuds. 

25.  Clientelis,  w  their  relation  of  patrons. 

3.  Quin  immo,  nay  more.  12- 

6.  Inviti-  producerentar,  by  the  partisans  or  opponents  of 
legislative  measures. 

7.  Censere,  to  give  an  opinion,  implying  also  to  vote  as  a  senator. 
Nisi  qui.  Nisi  quit  would  have  been  more  correct,  according  to 
Lipsius. 

9.  Respondendum,  to  reply.    On  this  use  of  the  gerund  see  note 
and  reference,  line  23,  page  119. 

10.  Judiciis  is  the  addition  of  Rudolphns  Agricola.    Publicis, 
that  is,  trials  in  which  the  populus  were  judices  or  jurors. 

11.  Per  tabellam  =  in  tenting. 

14.  Quo  modo,  lit.  in  what  manner  =  a«.     Haberi  is  the  subject 
of  erat  understood. 

16.  Eubore,  by  a  feeling  of  self-respect.  Vox  Tacito  familiaris 
pro  pudore.  Ri. 

18.  Neoessitudines,  the  relationships,  more  especially  that  of 
patronus  and  cliens,  just  referred  to. 

22.  Haeo  vetera,  *c.  scripta  vel  acta. 

23.  Cum  maxime,  particularly.    Muciano,  a  vigorous  supporter 
of  Vespasian.     He  was  not  only  a  general  and  a  statesman,  but  an 
orator  and  a  historian.     He  made  a  collection  of  the  speeches  of 
the  republican  period,  which  he  arranged  and  published  in  eleven 
books  of  Acta  and  three  of  Epistolae. 

7.  Formula,  a  prescribed  form  of  words  in  suits  at  law;   we   «po 
might  say  a  technicality.     Interdicto  =  an  injunction,  as  we  would 
say ;  a  provisional  prohibition  by  the  praetor. 

11.  Cum  aociderent.  This  is  an  indirect  eulogy  of  the  reign  of 
Vespasian. 

16.  Adversus  tutores.    His  three  orations  against  Aphobus  are 
still  extant. 

17.  Defensus  =the  defence  of;  the  perfect  participle  equivalent 
to  a  verbal  in  —  to. 

22.  Quaestionis,  i.  e.  the  question  discussed  in  the  dialogue. 

23.  Ea  re,  f.  e.  eloquentia. 

U2 


234  NOTES    TO    THE 

Page 

128  28.  Steterit,  «c.  eloquentia.    Quoque  plures  =  et  quo  plures, 
and  the  more. 

129  4.  Agit,  it  lives. 

6.  Quae,  in  agreement  with  consuetudinem,  the  nearer  noun. 
9.  Comperendinationes,  adjournments  of  the  time  of  trial  to  the 

third  following  day  (con  -j-  perendinus).  Vertagungen  ;  dilationea 
rerum  in  diem  perendinum  sive  tertium.  Ri.  That  is,  more  Ro- 
mano, with  only  one  entire  day  intervening ;  on  "  the  day  after  to- 
morrow." 

12.  Adstrinxit,  contracted,  by  enacting  that  the  accuser  should 
be  limited  to  two  hours,  and  the  accused  to  three  hours. 

15.  Quanto,  how  much;  an  indirect  interrogative.     The  follow- 
ing quod  is  a  direct  interrogative. 

16.  Causae  centu.in.vir ales,  those  pleaded  before  the  centumviri. 
See  note,  line  16,  page  90. 

18.  Obruebantur,  were  eclipsed. 

20.  Liber  =  oratio ;  cf.  "quinque  in  Verrem  libros." 

21.  Dictus  legatur,  is  read  as  having  been  spoken,  i.  e.  we  do  not 
read  that  any  such  oration  was  spoken. 

22.  Pro  —  inscribuntur,  that  is,  their  title  was,  "  Pro  Heredibus 
Urbiniae." 

24.  Temporum  quies,  inactivity  of  the  timeu,  times  barren  of 
stirring  events  and  exciting  circumstances. 

26.  Frincipis,  i.  e.  August!.     Disciplina,  the  habit,  the  manner ; 
which  easily  passes  into  policy. 

27.  Pacaverat,  ab  accusando  avocnverat.    Ernesti. 

ion  2.  Paenulas  istas.  The  paenula  was  a  thick  cloak,  used  chiefly 
by  the  Romans  in  travelling,  as  a  protection  against  the  cold  and 
rain.  At  one  time  it  appears  to  have  been  commonly  worn  in  the 
city  instead  of  the  toga,  as  we  even  find  mention  of  orators  wear- 
ing it  when  pleading  causes.  Diet.  Antiqq. 

5.  Auditoria  et  tabularia,  instead  of  the  free,  open  space  of  the 
forum.  Tabularia  were  archive  offices,  in  which  were  kept  public 
records  and  documents. 

7.  Est  aliquis,  is  something,  and  not  absolutely  a  matter  of  in- 
difference :  it  is  rather  a  matter  of  importance. 

9.  Ipsam  —  experimur,  nay  more,  we  find  the  very  care  and 
anxiety  of  our  diligent  style  opposed;  for,  though  we  may  have 
carefully  prepared  or  thought  out  our  speech,  there  are  frequent 
interruptions  and  questions  put  to  us,  and  it  is  necessary  to  com- 
mence again  from  the  last  question  ;  and  this  destroys  the  effect 


DIALOGUE.  235 

Page 

of  a  well  prepared  speech.     We  take  still  here  to  be  the  writing   130 
instrument. 

10.  Stili.  The  atiht*  or  stylus  was  an  iron  instrument,  resembling 
a  pencil  in  size  and  shape,  used  for  writing  upon  waxed  tablets. 
At  one  end  it  was  sharpened  to  a  point  for  scratching  the  characters 
upon  the  wax,  while  the  other  end,  being  flat  and  circular,  served  to 
render  the  surface  of  the  tablets  smooth  again.  Thus,  vertere 
stilum  means  to  erase,  and  hence  to  correct,  as  in  the  well-known 
precept  saepe  stilum  vertas.  Diet.  Antiqq. 

13.  Patronus,  t.  e.  the  patronus  of  one  of  the  parties  to  the  suit, 
who  may  have  had  legal  assistants;  and,  if  the  present  reading  is 
correct,  we  must  understand  the  patronus  as  not  wishing  to  delay 
the  case  by  useless  talking.  Some  editors  have  patronis, 

14  Unas  —  adsistit.  Only  one  or  two  persons  care  to  listen  to 
the  speaker. 

16.  Quodam  theatro,  i.  e.  a  numerous  and  interested  audience, 
ready  to  applaud  the  orator. 

18.  Pariter  =  a«  well;  many  as  well  as  noble  men.  Coartarent, 
crowded,  thronged. 

21.  Sua  interesse,  that  it  concerned  them.    Sua  is  ablative. 

22.  C.  Cornelium  —  P.  Vatinium,     All  these  were  defended  by 
Cicero. 

25.  TJt,  to  that ;  introducing  an  inference  from  the  preceding 
remark. 

28.  Egerant  —  censeantur,  delivered  them  are  not  valued  more 
for  their  other  orations. 

1.  Jam,  changing  the  scene,  not  the  time,  and  still  referring  to    ««] 
the  republican  period. 

2.  Ipsa  — gloria,    the    very  renown    arising    from    personal 
enmities. 

6.  Popnli  —  uterentur.  The  true  reading  of  this  .passage  is 
quite  uncertain.  We  follow  Halm.  Histriones,  as  actors. 

8.  Faces,  incentives. 

18.  CertO  imperio,  with  a  settled  government,  in  which  every 
subject  knew  his  place  and  duties,  and  had  little  to  say  about  his 
rights. 

21.  Omnia  omnes  poterant,  everybody  could  do  everything. 

2.  Et  leges,  their  (famous  Agrarian)  laws  also.  jgo 

3.  Tali  exitu,  referring  to  his  murder  by  the  soldiers  of  Antony. 

4.  Quod  —  fori,  what  still  remains  of  the  ancient  forum  to  orators. 

5.  Usque  =  entirely. 


236  NOTES    TO    THE    DIALOGUE. 

Page 

132  6.  Advooat,  i.  e.  calls  on  us  for  professional  counsel. 

7.  Nocens  aut  miser.  While  such  existed,  Maternus  would 
say,  the  constitution  of  the  state  was  far  from  faultless. 

14.  TTsus,  profectus,  partitive  genitives. 

22.  Sapientissimus  et  unus.  Perhaps  a  eulogy  of  Vespasian  ; 
though  Maternus  may  have  had  in  mind  an  ideal  perfect  ruler. 
Voluntariis  accusationibus.  Under  the  republic  young  Romans 
frequently  brought  accusations  against  prominent  public  men,  as 
a  means  of  bringing  themselves  into  notice. 

25.  Cognoscentis,  of  the  inquirer  =  judicis. 

133  5-  Citra,  without. 

7.  Quibus,  tome  things  that. 

13.  Te  poetis  =  te  apud  poetas. 

14.  Ego  (t.  e.  Ajierj  vos  (criminabor)  rhetoribus. 


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